Privacy Is Like Virginity: No One Really Wants It

Privacy Is Like Virginity: No One Really Wants It
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It's worth asking, did people ever really want privacy in the first place?

Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder, is arguing about the emergence of a new "social norm." This is partly to justify Facebook's ever-more aggressive business model of turning private data into searchable and targetable information. Facebook, which began as a way to share individual information with friends, has now turned into a business based on individuals broadcasting their information to a more or less anonymous public.

Zuckerberg stands at the nexus of two conflicting rights. There's the old one, which is the right to protect your privacy. And the new one, which is the right to give it up.

The old one is arguably about fear and shame--and anonymity.

The new one about openness and pride--and ambition.

The old one is about an aesthetic that is discreet and modest and careful.

The new one about infinite vulgarity.

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