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It used to be expensive to make things public and cheap to…

“It used to be expensive to make things public and cheap to make them private. Now it's expensive to make things private and cheap to make them public.” quote by Clay Shirky
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“It used to be expensive to make things public and cheap to make them private. Now it's expensive to make things private and cheap to make them public.”

Clay Shirky

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The cost dynamics of sharing information have reversed: public dissemination is cheap, privacy is costly.

In simple terms: Sharing is cheap, privacy is expensive now.

Key Takeaway

Embrace openness, protect privacy wisely.

Themes

technology privacy economics society

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

observational strategic

When to use this quote

  • social media strategy
  • corporate communications
  • personal data management

Key Concepts

information asymmetry public goods digital rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance openness with privacy?
  • What policies safeguard personal data?
A Different Perspective

Privacy protection becomes harder as data spreads.

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