How to Convince Non-IT Friends that Privacy Matters?

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?"

Comments

Re:How to convice a non-Christian that Christ matt

[DaedalusHKX]

After I did trucking, and racing, and a few other things, I ended up pre-tripping my daily driver at least once a week. That's called "check fluids, tires, mirrors, seals, etc".

As a result? My vehicle requires FAR less maintenance than it used to. Surprising? Why should it be. Its like the idiots who think guns work like in videogames. Pick up a dusty old rifle that's been hidden in a warehouse for half a century, and pull the trigger. Reminds me of that Lara Croft movie where she picks up the rifle and clicks the empty chamber. Was she stupid enough to think rifles would be shipped A) loaded, and B) chambered and C) that they would fire through a 70 year old, possibly obstructed barrel without exploding in their hands?

The status quo is stupidity and ignorance. I choose not to be part of that. If my friends choose to remain so, I simply negate our "friendship"... I will not be a friend to those whom would not be friends to me. That simple. That easy.

As for other things. Maintenance checks are not that difficult. Most people skip them and bitch when the BIG problem occurs despite having been visible with a mere routine check. Ignorance should be expensive, and stupidity, should, as it does, be ungodly expensive! Same goes for email, virus checks, etc. First, use a clean OS. Secondly, don't download everything marketed as free. Thirdly, don't communicate with people who do this. If they refuse, then you should refuse their messages.

Far too many people associate with losers who bring them down to their level. I've yet to hear of a loser uplifting a winner. Usually the loser wants the other guy to be a loser also... misery and company and all that.

Prime Example: Someone who practices unsafe sex with AIDS patients would be a POOR choice of marital partner to anyone, but try telling that to the stupid or ignorant lazy schmucks out there!