For this discussion question consider the contradiction between self-disclosure and privacy. As Dr. John points out we trust people who are more open, forthright and honest. We distrust people who seem to withhold information about themselves. We also have an internal conflict of wanting to share information about ourselves, (our favorite subject to talk about is ourselves), and feeling offended by companies who because of what we have shared now send us an ad that is targeted to our search results. We want others to know us, but then we don’t.

How do you see this conflict of wanting privacy, but also wanting to be known? How much privacy should we be afforded? What is it that we are hiding? How much do people really know about you? How much do you disclose about yourself? Do you think people really know who you are? If they really knew you what would they think? In this social period we are living in today of a cancel culture, and “wokeness”, should we be concerned about our privacy? What harm could be had if people really knew your secrets?

Respond in 500+ words or more as you discuss this issue of conflicting interests in personal privacy, a person’s need to know, your desire to share and belong, to find people of like interests, and the fear of being found out? How much privacy should we expect and desire vs. our desire to be part of something, for people to connect with us, to join groups of likeminded people, to seek out empathy or sympathy for who we are and what we have experienced.

As a side note, have you had your DNA tested by companies like Ancestry.com or 23andme? If you have done this, did you have any reservations about giving your DNA to these firms? If you have not, has your reservation about doing this been related to not wanting to give up your DNA sample? What are the reasons and risks for doing this? Are you concerned now that your DNA is now publicly available? Is that a good thing?

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