MIT Graduate Program in Comparative Media Studies

Studying Media and Making Media

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Podcast: Media in Transition 8, “Oversharing: The End of Privacy?”

Amid disquiet over encroachments on privacy by government and corporations, another class of concerns has arisen: That some people (often young users of social media) are not respecting the traditional boundaries of privacy and are choosing to share “too much information.” Do these people’s technical skills outstrip their social skills? Are they unaware of how information can persist and potentially damage their reputation? Or are the stern adults who question this behavior clinging to an outmoded idea of privacy? Are the apps and algorithms and platforms of social media invisibly transforming norms of privacy and personal freedom?

  • Feona Attwood, Middlesex University (UK)
  • David Rosen, author
  • Jonathan Zittrain, Harvard University
  • Moderator: Nick Montfort, MIT

About Andrew Whitacre

Andrew directs the communications efforts for CMS/W and its research groups. A native of Washington, D.C., he holds a degree in communication from Wake Forest University, with a minor in humanities, as well as an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College.

His work includes drawing up and executing strategic communications plans, with projects including website design, social media management and training, press outreach, product launches, fundraising campaign support, and event promotions.