Why would you oppose total surveillance if you have nothing to hide?

Question

Let's say everybody were able to see what everybody else in the world is doing at any given time. After all, if everybody always knew what everybody else is doing, even those trying to get away with using information gained that way couldn't do so without everybody knowing! Doesn't it incriminate you immediately to be opposed to surveillance? I mean, if you aren't committing any crimes, why would you feel uneasy about it?

Answer 1

I don't get it either. I couldn't care less if a total stranger listened to my conversations, because I will never see them or at least won't recognize them. And really I have nothing to hide. Now, my parents, when I was younger, I couldn't stand if they could hear my phone calls! But that was the whole high school, learning about my independence stuff.

Answer 2

I think society would be distraught at first if total surveillance came into play, but after everyone was put through it for countless months and years emotional numbness would kick in. Sure you would get the few people out there that would get some kicks and giggles for a while but even that wouldn't last for long. If you watch the same thing over and over again it gets pretty old. How long can you listen to a few million people flatulating before you just unplug yourself and find something else to ammuse yourself with? Besides that.. imagine if everyone's lives were open to public viewing, how many criminals, child molesters and vagrants would be brought out to light. At least then it would be everyone's responsibility to help fix our society rather than taking a seat on the back burner or hiding in our houses and small spheres of influence while we hope everything fixes it's self.

Answer 3

Although you bring up a great thought, for me, being more of a naturally shy person, this would drive me insane! Even when I'm having a conversation with people at school, I'm always afraid that people will be listening, and it scares me. I don't know why, it's not like I talk about anything bad, I'm just afraid I'll say something stupid and then it makes me think more and more about that until I DO say something stupid. Reading this I feel like an idiot, but that's just the way I am, and as hard as I try I can't help it. So I don't think I could handle knowing that someone could at anytime be watching me.

Answer 4

Then put a camera in your bathroom and bedroom, wear a microphone at all times where anyone can record any conversation you have, release your tax forms and all personal records for public viewing, and let everyone have full access to everything that is on your computer.

Open everything in your life to public viewing if you think it's no problem. See how many people want to be around you when they know there's no privacy.

Don't be a hypocrite and say it's not the same thing.

Answer 5

That's a good question. I wish I could've asked President Bush and Vice President Cheney that when he wouldn't testify under oath before the 9/11 Commission, or allow for any record of their testimony. Seems like they had something to hide.

I guess some people are attached to this idea of "privacy". Lots of past visionaries who decided what constituted "crime" realized that by emilinating privacy, they could control the populace, and destroy any opposition to the ruling party. Living in fear of constant judgement by every other person on the planet for any deviation from normalcy sounds like a great way to live...

Answer 6

most people cant stand being watched even when they do the tiniest bad or embarassing thing. Others do really have something to hide. We should arrest and enterrogate the complainers, at least that'd teach em a lesson if not capture some real baddies.

Answer 7

Everyone has something to hide even if it is just an embarassing secret. People have always cited differences from themselves as reason for exclusion of others. This would give them the means to use humiliation as a weapon.

Answer 8

okay. see it this way. even thought you have 'nothing to hide,' it doesnt mean that you 'want to show it.'

such actions of surveillane, if not approved by the person being 'monitored,' it wrong on the basis of that persons' right of 'privacy.'

in a democratic country, privacy is not a privilegde, it is a right, and that very idea counteracts the idea of surveillance. we are entitled to our own private bubbles.

Answer 9

Because it's a basic invasion of privacy. Also, the US Constitution guarantees the right to due process.

Answer 10

Yeah??? Who decides what's a crime? Or how about you're running for office and those in power are tapping into what your campaign strategy is? You wouldn't like that then, would you, Mr. Innocent?