The Voluntary Panopticon

To consider Facebook a structure similar to the Panopticon would seem to be a valid point. But “similar” would be as far as one could go in that argument. 
 

Because the Panopticon is based on the premise of there always being a chance that prisoners are being watched by an unidentifiable overseer, the supposed inmates would have to censor their own behavior every day at all hours. The concept of an overseer, or supervisor, is apparent in the Facebook world as well. However, because Facebook is a social networking site on which members can control whether they want to join, and what is displayed, posted, and visible on their profiles, the mystery of being watched and caught disappears.

If the Panopticon, for example, had a rule stating that inmates were not allowed to be in relationships with other inmates, hypothetical lovers would constantly be hiding in secrecy, knowing fully well that there was a high risk of getting caught. 

 Facebook also puts forth expected standards, which, if broken, will result in being reported or removed. In some cases, this can lead to a removal of one’s entire profile. These standards include behavior that can be seen as “unacceptable,” such as “violence and threats,” “hate speech,” and “nudity and pornography.” However, unlike the Panopticon, not every move of one’s life is recorded on Facebook. Therefore, a Facebook user can get into a fight, scream hate speech down the block, and engage in pornographic photo shoots, and by avoiding posting it on Facebook, not have any trouble with the supervisors.

This all comes down to the amount of control the person being watched has on what is visible to the viewer. The fact that inmates in the Panopticon cannot see or know about the overseer plays to the favor of surveillance. Every move an inmate makes will be carefully considered, along with potential consequences. Facebook, on the other hand, makes itself apparent in providing terms to users before they agree to the conditions. This leaves a fair amount of power to the members, as they can selectively censor their profiles.  

Katie Condon