Constantly Being Watched

Panopticism, a term coined by French philosopher Michel Foucault, delves into how surveillance and the perception of being watched shape our behavior and social structures. Today, this concept is alive and well in our society, largely thanks to the proliferation of surveillance technologies and practices. Walk down any street, and you’re likely to encounter CCTV cameras perched on buildings or street corners. These digital eyes are always watching, creating a subtle but ever-present feeling that we’re being observed. It’s not just in public spaces either; workplaces, schools, and even our own homes have become imbued with surveillance tech. The mere presence of these cameras alters our behavior, nudging us to conform to perceived norms and expectations. But it’s not just about physical surveillance anymore. In the digital realm, algorithms track our every click, like, and share. Social media platforms, search engines, and online retailers collect data on us, creating digital profiles that shape the content we see and the ads we’re served. The knowledge that our online activities are being monitored influences how we present ourselves and interact with others, blurring the lines between our virtual and physical selves. Institutions like schools and workplaces also function as panoptic structures, with hierarchies of supervision and evaluation. Teachers, managers, and administrators wield authority over us, their watchful gaze guiding our behavior and shaping our sense of self. And let’s not forget the media, which perpetuates narratives of surveillance and control through news reports, TV shows, and movies. Together, these various forms of surveillance create a culture of self-regulation and conformity. We internalize the idea that we’re always being watched, whether by a security camera or an unseen algorithm, and adjust our behavior accordingly. It’s a subtle but powerful form of social control, shaping everything from how we interact with others to the choices we make in our daily lives. In understanding the prevalence of panoptic practices, we can begin to question the implications for our privacy, autonomy, and freedom. What kind of society are we creating when the watchful eye is always upon us?