I'm not surprised by this.

I'm guessing the responses suggest the greater concern is not access to our private information, but rather how that information is used. For better or worse, it seems people expect that government use of individuals' information won't be particularly predatory or malicious.

:confused:

Why are you shocked?

Seems to me that the poll is asking what the biggest WORRY is, and I agree that getting my passwords and accounts hacked - with the possibility of my bank account being drained - is a greater worry than having the government snoop into my boring life.

If they had asked for a "Yes" or "No" answer to the simple question; "Are you concerned about the government accessing your private communications?" - I'm sure that an overwhelming majority would have said "yes".

But the way the question was asked, it makes perfect sense for the results to be what they are.

Cerebus said:

...and I am absolutely shocked by the result. Shocked and more that a little bit saddened by how clueless the general public is in regards to what our government actually does these days. Saddened and angered that most people seem woefully unconcerned that our civil liberties - our freedom, the very thing that used to make us different - are quickly disappearing. Bleh. Time to move up North into the forest and disappear.

What's your biggest worry when it comes to your information on the Internet?

Government accessing my communications (5419) - your vote

16%

Internet companies using or selling my personal information (6608)

19%

Hackers stealing or publishing my passwords and account numbers (22926)

65%

Sad but true.

PurpleJedi said:

:confused:

Why are you shocked?

Seems to me that the poll is asking what the biggest WORRY is, and I agree that getting my passwords and accounts hacked - with the possibility of my bank account being drained - is a greater worry than having the government snoop into my boring life.

If they had asked for a "Yes" or "No" answer to the simple question; "Are you concerned about the government accessing your private communications?" - I'm sure that an overwhelming majority would have said "yes".

But the way the question was asked, it makes perfect sense for the results to be what they are.

I think he means that there is a lesser chance of hackers getting your information and publishing it. If you're smart, you'll know how to protect yourself from things like that.

Also, they have to do something illegal to get your info. The government gets legal access to your shit and people are not pissed about it.

I heard about another survey that said 65% percent of people were fine with the government snooping on them.

Stymie said:

PurpleJedi said:

:confused:

Why are you shocked?

Seems to me that the poll is asking what the biggest WORRY is, and I agree that getting my passwords and accounts hacked - with the possibility of my bank account being drained - is a greater worry than having the government snoop into my boring life.

If they had asked for a "Yes" or "No" answer to the simple question; "Are you concerned about the government accessing your private communications?" - I'm sure that an overwhelming majority would have said "yes".

But the way the question was asked, it makes perfect sense for the results to be what they are.

I think he means that there is a lesser chance of hackers getting your information and publishing it. If you're smart, you'll know how to protect yourself from things like that.

Also, they have to do something illegal to get your info. The government gets legal access to your shit and people are not pissed about it.

I heard about another survey that said 65% percent of people were fine with the government snooping on them.

Sorry, but I guess I'm one of those.

I lead a boring life. If the government wants to break into my photobucket account and see pics of me in my boxers...or verify that the pathetic $5.00 interest I claimed on my tax return was legit...or see my incessant photowhoring on P.org...I am not WORRIED about it. It's irksome, for sure. But I am more worried about a hacker getting my info from TD Bank or my SS# and suddenly I own marshland in the Everglades. You've seen how hackers have gotten into major companies such as banks & stuff, right? THAT is a real worry for me.

I suppose that if I ever choose to run for public office or *ahem* become an "entrepeneur" then maybe that would be at the top of my "worry" list.

There's plenty of OTHER trespasses on our rights that I worry about besides "access to communications" on the internet. How about property being seized under "public domain"? Or having to prove that I'm a citizen simply because my skin is dark? Or the government forcing me to be financially liable for my kids until the age of 23? Those rank a little higher on the "worry" list for me than the Feds getting into my aol account.

[Edited 6/13/13 15:04pm]

[Edited 6/13/13 15:05pm]