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PART IV

POWER OF THE GAZE

FIFTEEN

SURVEILLANCE VERSUS SUPPORT

Surveillance has come a long way from its humble beginnings. The power of surveillance should not be underestimated, as it has the potential to greatly impact our lives in both positive and negative ways. Being watched can be a powerful motivator for self-improvement. Just as having an accountability partner can help us stick to our goals and maintain positive habits, so, too, can the knowledge we are being observed. This phenomenon, known as the Hawthorne Effect, demonstrates that people tend to perform better when they are aware they are being watched. In this sense, surveillance can serve as a constant reminder to be on our best behavior, encouraging us to make better choices and strive for self-improvement.

However, not all watching is support or in your best interest – not everyone is watching because they want to support you.

What is the difference between surveillance and support? 

Be aware that surveillance and support radiate significantly differing energy–one quietly depletes, while the other openly encourages. This is the case both online and offline.

What is surveillance?

surveillance (noun)

A close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal; close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective); basically, of ill intent.

What is surveillance?

support (verb)

To give assistance, to agree with and give encouragement to someone or something because you want him, her, or it to succeed.

In the context of Social Media, the lines between surveillance and support are not to be taken lightly. On one hand, Social Media enhances our lives and provides a source of convenience, support, community, and knowledge. On the other hand, Social Media, and other digital platforms monitor our actions, preferences, and interactions, casting a digital shadow that follows us into every corner of the web.

We must be able to tap and tune in in order to pick up on who is supporting us and who is simply surveilling us. For not everybody is watching for the highest good. That is a true fact. There are people watching you and people keeping tabs on who you are, doing it to collect intel and use it to base judgements and assumptions about you. Yes, there are people out there who will literally spend their lives watching people they do not like simply to have the feeling of not liking them. I would invite you to start to consider that your energetic body can pick up on these people. You can pick up on these energies and for this reason we want to cleanse our society.

There is one more layer of surveillance I’d like to bring your attention to, that of the effects of people who observe or watch your Social Media without interacting. This may seem harmless, but it can easily breed a need to people please, another by product we are slowly conditioned into. One day you are posting about the things you enjoy, not really thinking of it, the next you strategically share things you know will get more views. Think about that for a sec. This is a slippery slope to creating for approval instead of creating for the genuine expression of self.

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