Before the world was introduced to a glorified fish tank full of egotistical housemates, George Orwell described a rather more disturbing phenomenon in his book Nineteen Eighty-Four. The now ominous term “Big Brother” was used to describe an omnipotent being that watched, analysed and controlled every aspect of Oceania.

Indeed, while the producers of the popular TV show might not have the same tyrannical motives as the Original Big Brother, the concept of a controlled environment is still very much alive today. Many people would agree that surveillance and an increased interest in the everyday activities of the population is a good thing for our national security. But, how about when credit card companies start to play the role of Big Brother?

(more…)

Before the world was introduced to a glorified fish tank full of egotistical housemates, George Orwell described a rather more disturbing phenomenon in his book Nineteen Eighty-Four. The now ominous term “Big Brother” was used to describe an omnipotent being that watched, analysed and controlled every aspect of Oceania.

Indeed, while the producers of the popular TV show might not have the same tyrannical motives as the Original Big Brother, the concept of a controlled environment is still very much alive today. Many people would agree that surveillance and an increased interest in the everyday activities of the population is a good thing for our national security. But, how about when credit card companies start to play the role of Big Brother?

(more…)