Instruction: Write a point of view on personal privacy in the age of software and technology.

Response: The definition of “privacy” is elusive, but some may associate a reduction in privacy with the burgeoning of technology. The advent of digital databases has made it possible to easily track and retrieve user records and user activities. Records which are reported to the government are deemed “public” and may be used to vet teachers, bus drivers, crime rates, and more. Similar information can be used to determine the layouts and prices of homes and to track spending habits to perfect search engine recommendations.

Despite technological infringements, some may argue that there is more privacy today than in centuries past. We can consume entertainment without leaving the confines of our home; when we do step out, we can travel in private vehicles. Consequently, we have become more estranged from society and now request credentials or an ordeal before trusting others. More than ever, we seek recommendations from our close peers, we frequently consult user reviews, and we are weary of trusting unvetted strangers.