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Freya Price, a 21-year-old student, often finds it difficult to fully unwind during nights out with her friends. She remains highly alert in nightclubs, consciously avoiding promoters’ cameras and keeping an eye out for strangers filming. Freya understands that any embarrassing moments could quickly become public online content, leaving her feeling constantly monitored and unable to experience a carefree nightlife as previous generations did.
Unlike earlier times, when awkward or funny incidents might only end up in a blurry photo album on Facebook, today’s technology allows videos to be shared instantly with potentially thousands of viewers. Neuroscientist and author Dean Burnett explains that more people are now anxious about doing something embarrassing that could be captured and broadcast on social media. This atmosphere of surveillance has changed the way young people behave, according to Burnett.
Freya expresses a wish to be able to dance freely, act silly, and enjoy the moment without worry. However, the prospect of stumbling onto TikTok or Instagram videos, sometimes posted by club promoters, fills her with concern. She recalls how she and her friends have often been minding their own business when suddenly a camera appears in their faces. This causes her to feel uneasy, especially after seeing friends appear on social media looking “plastered” days after a night out. She also voices anxiety about emerging technologies like Meta glasses, which are difficult to distinguish from regular eyewear and can record without the wearer’s knowledge.
When asked about this issue, Tracy Clayton, a Meta spokesperson, emphasized the importance of responsible use of technology and noted that the company has teams dedicated to preventing misuse. However, she pointed out that the ultimate responsibility lies with individuals to avoid exploiting such tools. Meanwhile, Freya shared a common generational sentiment, recalling how ‘90s babies often remark that Gen Z has it tougher since past generations never had to worry about constant video surveillance, where the worst outcome might have been a photo in someone’s Facebook album. For her and her peers, a night of overindulgence caught on camera could have serious repercussions, potentially impacting future job prospects
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