Imperfect

spinning privacy webs

Inspired by Kerry's Safety in the web and life. My personal experience.

Digital privacy has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, Kerry dodging mass workplace firings thanks to keeping a low profile helped him out immensely. On the other hand, the steps he took to get there give me decision fatigue. Not only that, but others can and do unintentionally undermine your privacy. Privacy measures hindering beneficial connections, community engagement, and ultimately convenience can be a hard pill to swallow. What helps is preaching that privacy, like many other practices in life, is nuanced.

Extremes prove this point well. Someone using a single email address likely has no backup nor failsafe. Someone using a single email address per service likely faces some trouble managing them all, even with a password manager or passkeys (which you should also use).

Another example of extremes is how frequently someone cycles out their public accounts, email addresses, and phone numbers. Most don't fathom the possibility until or unless they need to. Cycling out all of those digital assets annually is a step too far for most, including my current self.

As an example of nuance, Kerry suggests using two faces to compartmentalize your digital footprint: public and private. I agree, you will lap the competition if you commit to that. If you have more resources available, it can even be worthwhile to make your faces context-dependent.

People emphasizing privacy principles may seem crazy to you, but they often do so based on genuine concerns. Experiencing loss or invasion of personal data can rapidly change your perspective and momentum on the subject.

A possible explanation for the disconnect is that most take privacy for granted. If they acknowledge it, it's often not so urgent and important. Yet, it can readily create problems with very urgent and important needs such as community, shelter, and income.

If you're willing to make sacrifices and face consequences for privacy, do so. The most elementary steps you take are the most impactful relative to everyone else. You can start or continue on this journey as quickly or slowly as you please.

Like other priorities, once you choose to become serious about something, you identify who you truly want to connect with. You find the people capable of not only elevating you, but elevating with you.

Real friends will adapt to whatever barriers we choose to uphold. Real connections transcend mere inconvenience.

Want to reach out? Connect with me however you prefer: