Is Privacy the New Luxury?

Lately, I’ve been wondering if privacy is the new luxury. It used to be that unless you were famous, your personal life wasn’t public business. Now, social media, constant surveillance, and random strangers filming in public make it feel like we’re always on display.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve caught myself being more cautious when out in public so I don't accidentally step into the background of someone’s TikTok. I’ve seen viral videos where random people get mocked for their outfits, dance moves, or even just existing in the wrong place at the wrong time. And let’s be real. Have you ever Googled yourself? The amount of personal info that’s just out there is wild. So, is privacy actually a thing anymore, or has it become something only a select few can afford?

Social Media and the Death of Anonymity

Social media was supposed to be fun, but somewhere along the way, it blurred the line between public and private life. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 85% of adults worry about how much of their personal data is being collected online. Even if you don’t post every moment of your life, chances are someone else will. Friends tag you. Family shares pictures. Your job might even have you on their website.

The Trade-Off Between Privacy and Connection

Let’s be honest, we love social media. It keeps us connected, entertained, and updated on all the latest trends. But every time we post a picture or share a thought, we’re giving away little pieces of our privacy.

Ever mentioned something in conversation, only to see an ad for it minutes later? It’s not your imagination. Apps collect data from what we type, say, and search. Facebook alone tracks users across 8.4 million websites, according to a 2021 study by The Markup.

Getting Filmed by Strangers—A New Nightmare

I never thought I’d have to worry about a stranger turning me into content, yet here we are. Whether it’s someone filming a “funny” moment at the gym, making assumptions about strangers in public, or catching a private conversation in the background, people don’t seem to think twice before pulling out their phones.

A recent study by ExpressVPN found that 64% of Gen Z and Millennials have had their image or video shared online without permission. That’s more than half of us. And while some of those moments are harmless, plenty of them lead to online harassment, unwanted attention, or just straight-up embarrassment.

Even more frustrating? There’s not much you can do about it. Unless a video is outright harmful or illegal, social media platforms rarely take it down.

How Privacy Became a Luxury

Years ago, privacy wasn’t something you had to fight for. You could go about your day without worrying that someone was tracking your location, recording your conversation, or analyzing your face with AI. Now, staying private takes real effort. Some people go as far as using burner phones, VPNs, and fake names online. Others limit their social media use or avoid digital footprints altogether.

What Can We Do to Protect Our Privacy?

If privacy is becoming a luxury, how do we reclaim at least some control over it? While we can’t completely escape the digital world, we can take small steps to protect ourselves.

1. Be Mindful of What You Share

Even if your account is private, anything you post can be screenshotted, shared, or leaked. Before posting, ask yourself: “Would I be okay with a stranger seeing this?” If the answer is no, maybe keep it offline.

2. Adjust Your Privacy Settings

Most social media platforms have settings that let you limit who can see your posts, tag you, or share your content. It’s worth going through them and making adjustments.

3. Speak Up If Someone Films You Without Consent

If you catch someone filming you, don’t be afraid to say something. In many places, recording someone without their consent is legally questionable at best.

4. Google Yourself and Request Removals

Look up your name online and see what comes up. If personal details are listed, some websites allow you to request removal. Google even has a process for removing certain personal data.

5. Set Boundaries with Friends and Family

Just because someone wants to post a picture of you doesn’t mean they should. Let people know if you prefer not to be tagged or included in their content.

So, is privacy the new luxury? Honestly, it’s starting to feel that way. Between social media oversharing and strangers turning everyday life into viral content, staying private is harder than ever. And while it’s easy to say, “Just stay offline,” that’s not realistic for most of us.

At the end of the day, we have to be intentional about protecting our own privacy. That means setting boundaries, using tech to our advantage, and being mindful of what we share. Will it solve everything? No. But it’s a step toward making privacy a little less of a luxury and a little more of a right.

What do you think? Have you ever been filmed without your consent, or do you feel like privacy is slipping away?