Teacher's Aide Nude Photo Controversy: Scott Hinkley

I think that without a doubt she should lose her job. I am pleased that this story is getting so much attention, even if it is only because it is smutty gossip, because I think a notion of "digital decency" is an issue our culture is only beginning to scratch the surface on. We have heard a broad range of telecom transgressions in the past few years, and while many of them have involved sordid sexual behavior (or at least what the media represents as sordid), most of these stories have tended to revolve around people already in or near the public-eye. The fact that this school aide's poor decision to leave a compromising photo of herself on a device she has with her at all times (although apparently not always on her actual person) highlights how exposed our lives have become, even without the paparazzi.

In much the same way an increase in population density leads to window shades and locked doors, the rapid exchange of information and media that has become normal in the past decade will continue to challenge and perplex people as they learn to be more careful with what they immortalize in 0s and1s. America has enjoyed a long history of escaping personal scrutiny, thanks to the vast landscape that has offered escape from personal criticism and religious disagreement. But now, our virtual village is starting to hold us each more and more accountable, and it isn't going to go away, so wise up. We might feel confident as we make lewd gestures at strangers from the safety of our automobiles, but the security of anonymity is a fading luxury at this point. Thank goodness for consequences. Maybe good judgment will come back in style.

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