Understanding Privacy: A Personal Journey from Transparency to Autonomy

Privacy is a concept that has evolved significantly in my understanding over the years, starting from a place of naivety and misinterpretation to a more nuanced understanding of its importance. Growing up in a city environment where privacy was not a highly valued trait, particularly for children and teenagers, I initially believed that transparency and sharing were the ultimate goals of communication and information sharing.

The Early Misunderstanding of Privacy

During my childhood, the idea of privacy was something that seemed foreign and almost non-existent. Family devices, such as phones, were never password-protected. This was not seen as a limitation but rather an aspect of transparency. I believed that privacy concerns were unnecessary and even suspicious. If someone was concerned about privacy, it must mean they were hiding something 'fishy.'

In my family, siblings were not allowed to set passwords on their phones or lock specific applications until they were in college. The family environment saw these devices as communal tools, designed for productivity and not for personal secrecy.

From Naivety to Understanding

It wasn’t until a conversation with my sister about social media and chatting apps that I began to realize the true value and importance of privacy. During our discussion, she mentioned a notification from my account that had been logged into by someone else, and I heard it for the first time. The notification was from a friend we were discussing some personal and emotional incidents.

Even though the chat wasn't about 'someone special' or anything intimate, it hit me that there are different levels of personal and emotional privacy. Some things are meant to be shared with family, some with siblings, and others with friends. Privacy isn’t about hiding; it’s about personal freedom. It isn’t about secrecy, but about autonomy. It isn’t about exclusion but about individuality.

The Reevaluation of Privacy's True Meaning

The realization that some conversations and emotions are not meant to be shared with everyone struck a chord. Messages should be personal and not accessible by just anyone. Even the notification, which was an accident, made me appreciate the importance of privacy. It isn’t just about hiding; it’s about having the freedom to express oneself without fear of judgment or intrusion.

Share Your Story

As I reflect on my journey, I come to understand that privacy is not just about keeping secrets but about giving oneself the space to be who you are without judgment. It’s about the right to express emotions and thoughts without fear of being misunderstood or criticized. While the phones in my household may not be password-protected, I now value the concept of privacy more deeply than ever.