Is it wrong to look at someone else's computer screen while he or she is using it?

Question

I am bothered by family members and colleagues who do that, even if they mean no harm. But is it honestly wrong or inpolite to look at someone else's screen? What are the ethical or practical reasons?

If you're only watching a video, doesn't it make the computer screen something like the TV screen? And that would be considered a fairly public activity, wouldn't it? (at least in the home) Why should computer screens be any different?

Answer 1

I believe it's inpolite. You could be doing personal things, such as banking, emails etc. You wouldn't read somebodie's personal letters received in the mail would you? It's a frustrating thing.

Answer 2

I know exactly what you mean. It's annoying and slightly intrusive. Unfortunately, it's also not particularly unethical or impolite. If you're just playing a game, surfing or watching a movie, there's not much you can say if someone tries to sneak a peak. If you're writing a personal email or having an AIM conversation, however, I think it's completely in-line to politely ask someone to mind their own business.

Answer 3

it is midway between being ok and rude. Technically it is said as "searching over someone's' shoulder" and applies to books, magazines, newspapers, hand-held instruments, and pc video reveal instruments. to renounce it the splendid element to assert is: "Please supply up searching over my shoulder." the reason it is undesirable is that the above-pronounced instruments and examining supplies commonly require concentration and concentration for use effectively. Having yet another human's head and body properly beside you is distracting. in case you choose to look at what some different person is doing, then you somewhat ought to continually ask permission first. the splendid variety is, "Do you ideas if i look over your shoulder? i'm very fascinated in___" with suggestions from being polite you need to likely have interaction the guy in an exciting verbal substitute rather of offending him. If he tricks that he ought to fairly you no longer look with suggestions from putting forward something like "i choose to spotlight this. It ought to be done with suggestions from midday," then merely say "i'm sorry, i did not recommend to break you," and walk away.

Answer 4

YES..

The Constitution does not specifically mention a right to privacy. However, Supreme Court decisions over the years have established that the right to privacy is a basic human right.

SO..TAKE THEM TO COURT for violation of privacy..or tell them its rude to put their nose in peoples business...

Answer 5

Thats what i feel too.When i'm sending private messages to my girlfriends , my little brother would always come to look atmy screen.and when i'm chatting with my friends my mum would suddenly stride bto the screen and read aloud what i'm talking about.argh.in my opinion...people shouldn't.if they do.they do not respect your privacy .and yup, in the end invading it.if its not so secretive then its okay.

(((:

Answer 6

when watchin a video its just lik a tv.....but at other times it works more than just a tv.....n i think it is impolite to look to someone else's screen.......but not if tht person is ok wit it or is less private with his things.......i wldnt want any1 lookin to my screen while i'm on th computr........would u lik any1 readin ur diary? likewise it becomes somethin personal

Answer 7

i think that unless someone has been invied to see, they are being nosy. i may even be forwarding an email to my mom but if she's standing there, i get really annoyed. i dunno. tv's are supposed to be shared you know. you watch telly with someone. pc's, theres ONE keyboard ONE mouse there fore only ONE person should control it all for the time they are there. thats what i think