When we use the word “creep,” it brings to mind an unsettling feeling — an unwelcome presence, a silent infiltrator. Yet, that is precisely what technology has become: a quiet intruder who knows us more intimately than any stranger ever could. This creep, however, is not a tangible entity lurking in the shadows; it is the digital systems that increasingly monitor, influence, and monetise our lives.
Take Google, for instance. What started as a simple search engine that answered questions faster and more accurately than we could ever imagine has grown into an entire ecosystem. Initially, Google offered utility and convenience with free tools like Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Drive. This array of services became indispensable, making Google the “Xerox” of the internet era, a household term.
But this convenience came at a hidden cost. With each service we integrated into our lives, we relinquished more data — information about our searches, locations, schedules, and preferences. Soon, these “free” services began to show their true cost. Need more storage on Google Drive? That will be $1.99 per month. A business looking to use Google Maps? Now, there’s a fee for that. What was once freely available to enhance our digital lives is now a revenue stream carefully crafted by one of the world’s most powerful corporations.
The same story plays out across Facebook, which has expanded its influence through acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The allure of seamless communication has been too powerful to resist. But as we stay connected, we become ensnared. The price we pay? Our data. Every post, photo, message, and interaction is analysed, segmented, and sold. Facebook’s algorithms learn who we are better than we might know ourselves. And despite the option to leave these platforms, doing so feels akin to social exile; they are our primary means of connection, often free but subtly monetised through our digital footprints.
Once upon a time, privacy was a right. We kept personal matters to ourselves, confiding only in those closest to us. Now, the idea of privacy has morphed into a privilege. Our actions are no longer hidden; rather, they’re catalogued, scrutinised, and utilised. Technology giants have achieved what governments of the past only dreamed of — ubiquitous surveillance. A company like Google knows where we live, where we work, who our friends are, and what we search for at odd night hours. With its web of personal and professional ties, Facebook could construct a social graph that rivals the most intricate networks.
This erosion of privacy isn’t limited to Google and Facebook. Consider TrueCaller, an app that identifies unknown callers. While it sounds innocuous and helpful, it works by cross-referencing data from millions of users, effectively creating a vast, crowdsourced directory that knows who we call and when.
It’s easy to say, “Just disconnect.” But realistically, opting out of these ecosystems is no small feat. We’ve deeply embedded them into our lives; detaching from them can be a personal sacrifice. There’s also the cost to consider. Many of these services are either free or at minimal expense, and their paid alternatives aren’t always financially feasible. Privacy, once a given, is now a premium product.
This creates a paradox: we’re conscious of the digital creep, and yet we can’t — or won’t — escape it. These tech companies know this, of course, and they’ve designed their products to maximise dependence. The cost of moving away feels overwhelming, so we tolerate the intrusion for convenience.
How can we safeguard ourselves if outright rejection of digital services isn’t an option? The first step is to treat our online activities with the same boundaries we apply offline. Separating our professional and personal lives can create distinctions within our digital engagements.
Second, avoid oversharing. Some of the most valuable data we offer is the information we voluntarily disclose, such as social media posts and location tags. By limiting this, we can retain some privacy.
Thirdly, familiarise yourself with privacy settings across platforms. Adjusting settings may seem tedious, but they can offer a surprising degree of control. For example, disabling location tracking or adjusting ad preferences can reduce the personal information tech companies gather.
Fourthly, technology ecosystems — Apple, Google, or Amazon — have their own trade-offs. Staying within a single ecosystem, though restrictive, can limit the fragmentation of personal data across multiple platforms, potentially reducing exposure.
Fifthly, before installing new apps or trying new platforms, consider what data they request and whether it’s worth it. For example, permissions for location access, contacts, and photos might be unnecessary for the service.
Sixthly, avoid storing or sharing passwords, bank details, or personal identifiers online whenever possible. Small measures, like using a password manager and two-factor authentication, add significant layers of security.
The age of digital dependency is here to stay. The question now is how do we navigate this new reality without losing control. As technology advances, the line between convenience and privacy grows thinner, and companies become increasingly adept at monetising our data. The convenience offered by these digital giants is undeniable, but the price we pay is the forfeiture of privacy, piece by piece.
The answer lies not in total detachment but in achieving a digital balance. Instead of surrendering our lives to these platforms, we can adopt a measured approach, embracing the benefits of technology while retaining a degree of control over our personal information. Digital creep may be here to stay, but with conscious choices, we can limit its influence and preserve a modicum of privacy in an increasingly interconnected world.
By recognising digital creep as a quiet but pervasive intrusion, we can reclaim our autonomy. We must set boundaries in our digital lives just as we do offline. We must resist the lure of unchecked convenience, remembering that while these tools are valuable, they should never become our masters.
Steve Correa is an Executive Coach and Author of The Indian Boss at Work, Thinking Global, Acting Indian
Ronald D’Souza has Corporate and Consulting Experience and mentors new startups.
This article was published on Medium on 26th Nov 2024
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