Online Persona #SCSUCOM135

An online persona can be whatever someone wants it to be. Anyone can put anything out on social media and the internet, but the way they want people to perceive them is up to them. They are able to put out only the good things which is what most people do because they dont people to see the bad side. A Ted talk that I recently watched was called “Your Online Life, Permanent as a Tattoo” by Juan Enriquez was fascinating because he connected life on social media to a tattoo and how things you put out on the internet will never go away. Enriquez connects big data, tattoos, immortality and the Greeks. He first mentions that tattoos “without a word really do shout” in the sense that they can mean a lot even though its a picture. He then talks about how any app of website that deals with personal information can become an electronic tattoo. People can see who you truly are through social media just like they can if they see a tattoo that is on your body. Another way that a company or people could find out what is going on in your life is by the items purchased at a store. For example the teen that was found out to be pregnant by Target before her parents did was all based on the items she purchased. “25 products that when purchased together indicate a women is likely pregnant” this was how Target was able to find out that this teen was pregnant, by tracking the new and different items she was purchasing coupons were sent to encourage her to buy the items needed to take care of a child. Not only is this creepy but it could almost be life threatening. People that are buying the wrong items may be put on a watchlist and if continued serious action may be taken place. It is almost impossible to keep your life off the internet. Even if you are not taking place in any social media friends and family are able to put you out there and you are not in charge of what they put out. Although someone may be able to influence their desicions soemtimes it may not be enough.