INDECENT PROPOSAL: HAS SOCIAL MEDIA MADE SURVEILLANCE CULTURE LOOK NORMAL?

1.  A stranger records you in public without asking. The video goes viral. Millions watch it, comment on it, laugh at it, or judge you. The question is: When did this become normal?

                          

• There was a time when cameras were used mainly to preserve memories. Today, almost everyone carries a high-definition camera in their pocket, and with a single tap, anyone can become the subject of a viral video—whether they agree or not.

   Social media has blurred the line between creating content and invading someone's privacy. Hidden cameras, prank videos, "public reactions," and unexpected encounters are often presented as harmless entertainment. But where should we draw the line?

Some argue that if you're in a public place, you should expect to be seen and recorded. Others believe that being in public does not mean giving up your dignity or becoming content for millions of strangers.

Technology itself isn't the problem. It's how people choose to use it. A camera can expose corruption, document injustice, or preserve history. The same camera can also embarrass, shame, or harass someone who never agreed to be filmed.

So, are we becoming a society that values viral content more than respect for others? Has the chase for likes, followers, and views made us forget that every person behind the camera lens is a human being with feelings and rights?

This conversation isn't just about smartphones. It's about the kind of digital culture we are creating—and whether future generations will see constant surveillance as normal.

             The questions is..

1) Should people be allowed to film strangers in public and post the videos online without asking?

Does being in a public place automatically mean you've given consent to be recorded?