Take This Picture.....

Look – I have a smartphone camera.......


You have heard in the news how many times a great technology has been misused. From a technology perspective, there isn’t a great way to make the consumer of the technology blessed with class. Just because it can do it, should we use it?

I got into a great discussion on the abuse of technology by consumers, and how that abuse carriers over into the enterprise – why, because these consumer gadgets are coming into the enterprise. Big shock – right? You worried about pictures, video or audio recordings in high level confidential meetings? Companies are starting to make sure to make the statement at the begin of these meetings to turn them off, and 1 company I know even makes you leave them in your office. 

Why is it that we think it is funny to take pictures or video with a new found friend, my iPhone, of unsuspecting individuals. The average person in this conversation thought it was ok in a bar, or the zoo to take whatever pictures or videos of whoever they want, when they want. You are in public, you are game to their childish antics. Really?

So is the camera in these technology devices really necessary? Do the benefits come up short with all the invasion of privacy, risks, and abuse? Look at the age of most users of the iPhone these days, and that helps answer some of the questions.

Everyone is now the paparazzi and looking for the picture I can put out on facebook or maybe sell. Why is it no one can just mind their own business and just worry about what they are doing. Perhaps all this reality TV and nonsense shows these days plays into this bad behavior. I am not Dr. Phil, but I for one would like to see the behavior change, not that I have been the victim of this, but sick of seeing it on TV and on the news. It changes people’s lives, breaks up marriages, and can jeopardize the work place.

Just because the technology can do it, does it mean we need to do it? What about some class people? What about some grown up behaviors? Don’t always worry about one ’s self but think of others for once. The picture you think is funny or cool, really isn’t. Plus, do you really need to share it?

This is a classic example how great technology in the hands of immature and classes individuals can really give it a bad name. Maybe our consumer technology purchase agreements should come with a quiz on the mentality of the purchasing individual. Maybe we need a technology to help some folks get some class. A simple little camera on a handheld device has such a big impact.

Put your camera away, and think next time you desire to get it out.


Scott Arnett
scott.arnett@charter.net