When we download Facebook and Messenger on our phone, we are asked to allow them to use certain permissions, such as access to our microphone, access to our contact list, access to our camera.
Why?
Some people explain these permissions as necessary, and only used for benevolent purposes. Our microphone? So we can make phone calls and so our videos can be heard. Our contact list? So we can optimize our ability to stay connected. Our camera? So we can shoot video, of course.
It goes deeper than that. I have a couple of examples of how Facebook has made me feel a bit violated just because I spoke in the "privacy" of my own home.
1.) A few months ago I got into an argument with my 8 year daughter, and I mentioned to my husband that I didn't know how to handle her. Next time I was on Facebook, there was a "suggested post" on how to discipline your tween.
2.) Yesterday I was prescribed Vraylar. I spoke of it in my house within range of my phone. I don't know why this happened. I never heard of this medication or have seen it on Facebook before. Today this was a suggested post:
3.) I was notified of someone selling shoes and jeans, both of which were my size.
4.) While I was being gangstalked, I looked into buying a gun, and was invited to join The Three Percenters page.
These are only a few examples of how Facebook shows me that they hear me, see me, and track me. I am considering deleting my account, even though it keeps me connected to people I care about.
Of course considering that Mark Zuckerburg said we were "dumb fucks" for trusting him, I suppose it's not that surprising.
What do you think of this encroachment on our privacy? Does this kind of thing ever happen to you?
