In data privacy, we often talk about the dangers of data collection and exposed data. It can get overwhelming to learn more about all the information that is collected on us, especially at the beginning. As a coping mechanism, some people react by downplaying concerns, disregarding dangers, and ignoring precautions altogether. Others react the opposite way: by isolating themselves, and no longer sharing anything with anyone. But neither is a viable solution.

Staying isolated to avoid all data exposure risks other dangers. Dangers that might not seem related to data privacy directly, but are nevertheless worth mentioning here: Suicide and depression are very real dangers that we cannot ignore.

Keeping our data safe shouldn’t mean staying alone, and isolation is especially dangerous for LGBTQ+ people.

The better approach is to adopt a segmental perspective on data privacy.

While not ignoring nor minimizing the risks, it’s important to develop an awareness of which exposed data represents the biggest danger to us, which we have no control over, and which we can actually protect better.

This is the balanced way out of this Orwellian nightmare.

There are ways to stay together, to support each other, and to stay connected while also protecting our data and becoming an informed advocate for privacy rights.

The article has more details, and includes the following:

How to stay connected while staying safe
Practices and tools that help in various contexts
Pseudonymity
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Browser fingerprinting
File metadata
Mobile applications
Photo sharing
What to improve in each context
Social media: Improving, deleting, replacing
Private messaging: One-on-one and group chats
Online dating: Balancing authenticity and caution
In person: Groups and events
Stay connected
Resources to help