Privacy — Meaning, Definition, and How This Core Value Shapes Your Life
What Is Privacy as a Core Value?
Privacy values control over personal information, boundaries, and access. People high in Privacy curate what they share and with whom, especially across digital platforms and fast‑moving online social contexts today.
Why Privacy Matters
Honoring Privacy helps you:
- protect safety and autonomy,
- reduce surveillance anxiety,
- preserve sacred personal spaces,
- separate public and private roles.
How Privacy Shows Up (High vs. Low Expression)
High Expression
- sets clear sharing boundaries,
- uses privacy-supporting tools,
- compartmentalizes sensitive data,
- limits exposure to necessary parties.
Low Expression
- overshares without consent,
- disregards data risks,
- blurs personal/professional lines,
- tolerates intrusive access.
Common Challenges of High Privacy
- appearing aloof or secretive,
- missing opportunities from low visibility,
- difficulty building public credibility,
- friction with transparency cultures.
Privacy in Conflict With Other Values
Privacy vs. Fame
Fame invites public access; Privacy protects boundaries.
Tension: open visibility vs. guarded seclusion.
Privacy vs. Influence
Influence expands public presence; Privacy limits exposure.
Tension: visible reach vs. selective access.
Examples of Privacy in Daily Life
- Restricting audience on personal posts.
- Using encrypted communication.
- Declining unnecessary profile listings.
- Separating work and personal accounts.