New Media Environments and Their Threats

Abstract

This chapter discusses new media environments and the ways in which they have caused new threats for individuals’ privacy. Several horizontal and vertical dynamics that may impede or violate people’s privacy when communicating in novel networked environments are identified. On the horizontal level, these include the increased risks of information dissemination to unwanted audiences and the convergence of formerly distinct social spheres. On the vertical level, these refer to the commodification of information and its evocation of data collection and surveillance practices.