To those born in the last twenty-five years, attaining their “fifteen minutes of fame” is as easy as populating a MySpace or facebook template. In contrast to the tech-savvy of older generations they are untroubled by the privacy implications of posting personal information on line. They often view these networking sites as digital confessionals where their “audience” can see their life unfold raw and unfiltered.
That change in attitude creates an interesting public policy environment for the future. If the majority no longer value privacy does it need to be protected?
This recent New Yorker article recounts stories of the first generation to grow up with the Net and the concept of a virtual presence and virtual circle of friends.