Provocation 3: Surveillance no longer needs panopticons (Bauman) by Han Jin

Exercise

niiikoleinsyd — 2025-05-20 18:36:53 UTC

Think about your daily life. Can you find examples where you are governed or controlled by systems, not by people?

Please post one example from your own experience. Then add a short sentence about how this makes you feel or how it changes your freedom and choices.

Nicole

niiikoleinsyd — 2025-05-21 16:20:58 UTC

On Taobao, I only buy things from the top-ranked stores. If it’s not in the top 10, I skip it.
It feels like Taobao’s ranking system is making my choices for me.

2025-05-22 04:36:20 UTC

Insta algorithm controls the content i see on my reels, which posts appear first, whose stories I see most, even down to what type of ads are shown based on the data I've inputted through engagements instead of my actual choices of what I want to see.

This makes me feel like I have limited freedom to the range of contents and feel constantly nudged towards a niche type of content of what the system thinks I like rather than for me to discover what I'm actually interested in

Youtube

2025-05-22 04:37:23 UTC

I'm too lazy to search for videos because there are just too many, so I usually just watch whatever the algorithm recommends to me.

2025-05-22 04:37:59 UTC

When I am giving the lecture each week, the SYSTEM starts recording at exactly 10:05am. I like to start on time. Sure this is rigid, but it's less hassle than setting up recording myself

Resumes and ATS

karnasweksha — 2025-05-22 04:38:00 UTC

When you apply for jobs, resume is filtered by an ATS, which scans for specific keywords and formats, often before a human reviews it.
It’s frustrating because sometimes you can’t fit everything into a resume, especially qualities like creativity or adaptability. It makes you feel boxed in, like my value is reduced to how well I match an algorithm rather than who I am or what I can bring.

wanqiqiao — 2025-05-22 04:39:00 UTC

TikTok- The content I see is determined by the platform's algorithms, not by my own choice.

This makes me feel manipulated because my attention can be shaped without my being aware of it at all, reducing my control over what I consume and how I spend my time.

Little red book

2025-05-22 04:39:16 UTC

The platform promotes certain types of content, such as beauty, fashion, or lifestyle trends. While using little red book, I only post pictures of consumption and fashion to get higher views.

Bilibili

2025-05-22 04:39:17 UTC

The recommendation algorithm will push similar or related viedos to you based on your past viewing history. It causing me keep scrolling and easily fall onto an "information echo wall"

Banking app with spending limits and alerts

yixuanwang1228 — 2025-05-22 04:39:36 UTC

Experience: My app notifies or blocks me if I spend more than a set amount or buy something unusual.

Feeling: This is helpful, but also makes me feel like I don’t have full control over my money.

2025-05-22 04:40:42 UTC

When I use public transport in Sydney, I rely on the Opal system and fixed train/bus schedules. I have to plan my day around the timetable, not my personal rhythm.

Red Note

haoyunlai1516 — 2025-05-22 04:42:51 UTC

I usually watch the similar type of video that recommended by the algorithm and the system.

It feels like the system help me choose the videos.