As many of you have already mentioned, the technology used and created in this story isn't far off from what we have available today. In terms of government monitored use of the internet, that day is sort of already here. With new laws like CISPA and SOPA targeted at preventing online piracy that have been so publicly fought and still passed (or variations of them have passed, essentially allowing ISPs to monitor downloaded content), the internet feels a little bit smaller.
If I'm being totally honest, I used to download quite a bit of music and movies in high school. Once I got to college and began taking courses in my major (film), I understood from a media creator's perspective why downloading was harmful. Then laws like SOPA became known and extremely controversial and I felt further justified in withdrawing from the world of illegal downloading.
Similarly, Marcus finds early on that his computer use is being monitored and must adapt to this as well. I'm curious, how did you guys react to these new laws? Did you acknowledge that the government could take a closer look at your personal browsing habits and adapt? How has your experience online changed (or has it)?
I had heard and read about these laws but did not put as much thought into them at the time as I should have. Everyone talks about being "safe" on computers by protecting their Facebook, not giving out addresses, etc. However, many forget to realize just how much the government can see. My habits on the computer have not really changed, although maybe they should have. It is unnerving to think the government is tracking our movements and habits, but it is not at all unrealistic.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I don't think about it too much, because government oversight is pretty much a hallmark of our generation and the modern world. Although, I admit that sometimes I wonder what sort of government file my internet use generates...
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