[cuban leaf]

I remember saying, back in the 80’s, that one thing completely unbelieveable in the book, 1984, was a TV that would watch you. The computer hardware could simply not manage it, as far as I was concerned.

Now it’s worse that even Orwell ever imagined. And they don’t have to “force” you to leave it on. Rather, you are incentive to, and you forget that it is even there.

And then there is Alexa...

[C210N]

Now it’s worse that even Orwell ever imagined...

Yes, exactly. What we have is not really Orwell... it is much more Huxley's prophesies that turned out to be correct.

[Red Badger]

And they don’t have to “force” you to leave it on.

Now, it doesn't even have to be 'ON'. Technology and software can access the electronics to selectively turn on just the microphone or camera or whatever they wish................

[Salamander]

Go to your local WalMart and look up at the monitor near the door, showing the cameras scanning you thoroughly.

Why, I have no idea...but lately, I try to do a little tap dance just to watch it freak out, trying to keep up with me.

[Repealthe17thAmendment]

The TV show from a few years back, Person of Interest had the general premise that a computer could gather all the data that crossed the internet and any wireless cameras and phones then essentially filter it in such a way as to determine if people were in physical danger.

It seemed a little far-fetched, but now that we see data gathering and storage capacities becoming virtually limitless, it's really just a matter of time before the evaluation processes become more sophisticated.

[RedMonqey]

" that one thing completely unbelieveable in the book, 1984, was a TV that would watch you.”

That book is why when I purchased a new computer, I specifically decided NOT to have a screen that had the built in camera.

Still, with my viewing habits, it won't be hard to track my activities....