SP Seminar - Lee Humphreys

Lee Humphreys
Assistant Professor
Department of Communication
Cornell University

LOCATION CHANGE: Sociology Lounge, Mac-Corry Hall, room D411
Thursday, January 15th
12:30pm to 1:30pm
Queen's University

Information technology and new media allow for the collection and sharing of personal information at unprecedented levels. This presentation explores everyday issues and conceptions of privacy and surveillance when using new interactive technologies. Based on a year-long qualitative field study, this presentation examines how people think about privacy and surveillance when using mobile social networks.

Using the case study of Dodgeball, the study found most informants were not concerned about privacy when using the mobile social network because they felt they were in control of their personal information. There was, however, evidence of three kinds of surveillance present in the everyday usage of Dodgeball: voluntary Panopticon, lateral surveillance, and self-surveillance. This presentation will explore everyday conceptions, meanings, and activities associated with surveillance, privacy, and interactive technologies.

Thanks to The Blakely Fund for its support of this event.

Everyone welcome!