Big Brother, Big Business

In both 1984 and the video "Big Brother, Big Business" there are striking similarities. The most striking similarity is the secrecy that "Big Brother" uses while "checking up" on his citizens. While watching the video, I saw many examples of secret "spying." There are companies that use surveillance to have better customer service, companies that gather and sell information, and companies that hold information to track sales. Although I am not against these things, what is unsettling is the fact that all of this information is gathered/obtained surreptitiously. In 1984, much is done in secret also. Winston, for example, works for a company that "edits" files for the government. This act is also done in secret along with vaporization, surveillance, and the secret Thought Police.

I, at this point, so not object to any of these uses of technology. I believe that if you use a good or service provided to you, your information could be used. What I dislike, however, is the idea of companies gathering my information (specifically credit information or social security information) and having the power to sell that information to unreliable sources. I believe that power could be taken to far: the power to sell information. Power can be corrupt (such as in the case of bank companies). I believe that Americans should be weary of this potential breach of power.

I believe if companies could control their power and set guidelines on the amount of information obtained, marketing in the United States could become a larger, even stronger industry. I would consider being "targeted" for a magazine subscription or store coupons as a service. If my information was gathered and analyzed for my benefit, I see nothing to be threatened by.