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Sunday, January 3, 2010

Digital Images at our Fingertips...

In the not too distant past, taking a photo required a person to bring a camera with them. Whether it was digital or film, the photographer had to consciously think about the potential for needing the device and bring it with them. Now most cell phones and other hand-held devices come equipped with digital cameras. Many of the "smart phones" allow you to directly upload photos or videos to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. With all of these tools and services at our disposal, is it any wonder why every event, private or public is captured and available for scrutiny and review? In an age where a picture of Tiger Woods (post scandal) can bring $300k, is it no wonder why everyone is ready to snap a photo or shoot a video in order to cash in? 

What most people fail to contemplate is the consequences of posting photos or video online. It is estimated that once you share a photo or video, Pandora's box is open and it is not possible to retract or remove digital content due to the ability of search engines to retain cached information and other netizens to store copies on their computers. Just ask anyone who is the subject of a news report how quickly agencies search out online images long since forgotten or in some cases, content that he/she was not aware of in the first place.

So my question to you is this: Do your share pictures and/or videos online? If so, do you worry who could be viewing it?

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