Vigilante "Justice" and the Internet
One of my favourite movies happens to be The Watchmen, which is an epic action movie based off of a graphic novel about a bunch of wannabe superheroes who become sort of anti-hero vigilantes. Despite the awesomeness of the movie, I actually firmly disagree with the concept of vigilantism. What gives one person the right to decide the fate of another person? The reason we have laws and courts is in the interest of justice and fairness. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and even then, punished only in a reasonable fashion. Vigilantes have no restrictions. They decide who needs to be punished and how badly, and there is no guarantee these decisions will be fair. In Watchmen, one misanthropic character named Rorschach routinely hurts and kills others, feeling justified in his supposed moral superiority. He may be pretty badass, but I would not want a world full of Rorschachs. I guess what I am getting at is that I think the term "Vigilante JUSTICE" is basically an oxymoron.
What does this have to do with "risk and reward in information"? Consider the concept of the Human Flesh Search Engine. This is an example of how the internet can provide awesome power through numbers. If many people are bent on researching a topic, this could potentially provide more accountability to the media, politicians, etc [reference]. Some instances of people uniting through the internet for a common cause are undoubtedly positive. The sheer number of Haiti Relief Facebook Groups shows that power through numbers can lead to beneficial outcomes. In the case of vigilantism though, it could be extremely dangerous.
I have been hearing stories of invasions of privacy, and even a sort of "lynch-mob mentality" occurring as a result of mass numbers of people becoming involved in something online. Apparently any idiot can post a grievance about some other person, and people on the internet will actually pay attention to it. In extreme cases, someone, or multiple someones, might decide to take the issue into their own hands. Consider the rumour of the guy who complained online that his girlfriend was cheating on him. Apparently the girlfriend ended up being assaulted or harassed somehow. To me, this is incredibly frightening. Where is the proof? Maybe she just dumped him because he was a weird man who would post relationship details in a public, online forum. Even if she did cheat, does she deserve to be injured and harassed?? Further, could anyone be held accountable in such a circumstance? A stranger who decides to provide "vigilante justice" as a result of reading an online post has no traceable connection to the victim. Also, even if 99% of people reading something about a cheating girlfriend take no action, the sheer number of people who could read a public post means that the girlfriend might be faced with multiple attackers. Even if she protects herself from several, she may continue to be in danger. While cheating may be a despicable action that gives rise to an emotional reaction in many people, it is not up to society to dole out physical punishment. I am suddenly reminded of the Salem Witch Trials. Are we at the point where I could use the internet to accuse someone of being a witch, and get them burned at the stake?? Scary, scary thought.
Essentially, the idea of the internet allowing for an increase in vigilante justice terrifies me. It seems like people are vulnerable to attacks from a multitude of others, and this can occur completely at the whim of anyone who wants to post slanderous accusations online. Where is the accountability? Where is the fairness? How can society protect people from such unjustified attacks? Could I, in fact, end up being burned as a witch because I slight some random, vindictive person? I sincerely hope not.
P.S. I have no idea if there ever was a girlfriend who was harassed because her boyfriend complained about her online. Even if not, it makes an interesting hypothetical scenario.
What does this have to do with "risk and reward in information"? Consider the concept of the Human Flesh Search Engine. This is an example of how the internet can provide awesome power through numbers. If many people are bent on researching a topic, this could potentially provide more accountability to the media, politicians, etc [reference]. Some instances of people uniting through the internet for a common cause are undoubtedly positive. The sheer number of Haiti Relief Facebook Groups shows that power through numbers can lead to beneficial outcomes. In the case of vigilantism though, it could be extremely dangerous.
I have been hearing stories of invasions of privacy, and even a sort of "lynch-mob mentality" occurring as a result of mass numbers of people becoming involved in something online. Apparently any idiot can post a grievance about some other person, and people on the internet will actually pay attention to it. In extreme cases, someone, or multiple someones, might decide to take the issue into their own hands. Consider the rumour of the guy who complained online that his girlfriend was cheating on him. Apparently the girlfriend ended up being assaulted or harassed somehow. To me, this is incredibly frightening. Where is the proof? Maybe she just dumped him because he was a weird man who would post relationship details in a public, online forum. Even if she did cheat, does she deserve to be injured and harassed?? Further, could anyone be held accountable in such a circumstance? A stranger who decides to provide "vigilante justice" as a result of reading an online post has no traceable connection to the victim. Also, even if 99% of people reading something about a cheating girlfriend take no action, the sheer number of people who could read a public post means that the girlfriend might be faced with multiple attackers. Even if she protects herself from several, she may continue to be in danger. While cheating may be a despicable action that gives rise to an emotional reaction in many people, it is not up to society to dole out physical punishment. I am suddenly reminded of the Salem Witch Trials. Are we at the point where I could use the internet to accuse someone of being a witch, and get them burned at the stake?? Scary, scary thought.
Essentially, the idea of the internet allowing for an increase in vigilante justice terrifies me. It seems like people are vulnerable to attacks from a multitude of others, and this can occur completely at the whim of anyone who wants to post slanderous accusations online. Where is the accountability? Where is the fairness? How can society protect people from such unjustified attacks? Could I, in fact, end up being burned as a witch because I slight some random, vindictive person? I sincerely hope not.
P.S. I have no idea if there ever was a girlfriend who was harassed because her boyfriend complained about her online. Even if not, it makes an interesting hypothetical scenario.