Our society has become increasingly panoptic due to widespread surveillance made possible by digital technologies and the internet. The technology functions using the comprehensive gathering, examination, and possible evaluation of data produced by people’s daily interactions.
All online activities produce data, including browsing history, social media interactions, and location tracking. This data is continuously being gathered by a large number of organizations, including tech companies, advertising agencies, and governmental entities. If people are aware that their internet activities are being monitored, they may modify their online behavior. The panoptic principle, which states that the capacity to keep an eye on things ensures adherence to societal norms or expectations without necessitating continual, direct supervision, is shown by this self-regulation.
Traffic cameras on roads also exemplify how panopticism operates in modern society. These cameras, monitor drivers’ behavior and induce subconscious compliance with traffic laws to avoid fines. This surveillance system reflects Foucault’s concept of panopticism, where the belief of being watched leads to self-regulation. While traffic cameras aim to enhance road safety, concerns about privacy and accountability persist. Nevertheless, their prevalence underscores how panopticism permeates even routine activities, shaping behavior in ways both subtle and profound.
This results in a society where it is more difficult to tell the difference between acting freely and being observed. This digital representation of Panopticism emphasizes how unseen monitoring systems can influence societal behavior. It draws attention to a crucial point made by Foucault in his discussion: the most effective control is attained not by overt coercion or direct surveillance, but rather by the persistent, subtle belief that one is constantly under suspicion and that this leads to self-regulation. As a result of its simple incorporation into daily life and significant behavioral influence, the digital panopticon has come to symbolize a fundamental control mechanism in modern society.