How to Convince Non-IT Friends that Privacy Matters?

Posted by Soulskill on Sunday February 17, 2008 @05:28AM from the you-can-trust-the-internet dept.

mmtux writes: "As technology becomes more advanced, I am increasingly worried about privacy in all aspects of my life. Unfortunately, whenever I attempt to discuss the matter with my friends, they show little understanding and write me off as a hyper-neurotic IT student. They say they simply don't care that the data they share on social networks may be accessible by others, that some laws passed by governments today might be privacy-infringing and dangerous, or that they shouldn't use on-line banking without a virus scanner and a firewall. Have you ever attempted to discuss data security and privacy concerns with a friend who isn't tech-savvy? How do you convince the average modern user that they should think about their privacy and the privacy of others when turning on their computer?"

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Re:Simple answer... by Anonymous Coward · 2008-02-17 06:30 · Score: 0, Flamebait

to claim that nosy neighbors in your locality (neighbors who only know what you tell them or do in front of them when you can clearly see that they can observe you) is the same thing as having a centralized, automated databases of millions of people is just plain absurd. don't allow your silly pride to cloud your judgment, mmkay?
Re:the general rule... by TheVelvetFlamebait · 2008-02-17 09:51 · Score: 0, Flamebait

Stupidity should be painful; ignorance should be expensive.
... like the way being an asshole should be?

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You know, there is a difference between trolling and pointing out the flaws in your reasoning. Just saying.