When Someone is Looking Over Your Shoulder...
We’ve all had that moment where while you are waiting for the bus, riding the train, or simply sitting at home, someone feels compelled to look over your shoulder and see what you are up to. This has to be my number one pet peeve. Not only is it creepy and disturbing, it’s rude and intrusive. Are you really so bored with yourself that you have to look over my shoulder and read into my life as I’m doing something? Can’t a person have privacy here? I don’t care what I’m doing, whether it’s personal or not; if I wanted you to know, I would have shown or told you. This applies to people I know and especially to people that I don’t.
This is a pet peeve shared by many people, yet it happens often in the world around us. Why are people so interested in what others are doing? I have witnessed this often on the bus on my way to school, especially with people who are on computers. The person next to them will openly stare at the screen, as if enthralled with some entertaining movie. The person on the computer sneaks a sideways glance at this person, and scoots away from the intruder.
In some instances, the watcher will blink suddenly, as if brought out of a trance, and look down as if mildly embarrassed to have been caught being nosy, and continue on in there business. In rare cases, the intruder will stretch or scoot over to continue looking over the computer-wielding person’s shoulder, determined to know what they are up to.
At this point, the person at the computer will usually stop what they are doing to stare down the other, giving a clear message of “back off”, while those less timid will simply state their opinion out loud.
What bothers me most is when the nosy person gets offended by this, as if it is their right to know the new gossip you are sharing with your BFF Jill. On an internet conversation that was about people looking over your shoulder, one person even commented “I find it rude that the person using the computer doesn't turn around and acknowledge my presence.” I was exasperated when I saw this comment. How could a person possibly believe that the person who has just had their privacy intruded upon is the rude one? Sometimes I think it is only done out of curiosity, and I don't mind a quick glance, but there is a line that has been crossed far too many times. Do people really not realize how bothersome this it is to have another breathing down your neck while reading your favorite book?
Whether you are simply a curious passerby, or just another person that likes to know everybody's business, I would ask that you not look over my shoulder the next time I am reading, writing, playing on Facebook, or scrolling on my iPod. For those who have had the misfortune of your privacy being plucked away, which is an alarming proportion of us, I ask that you stand up and voice your opinion the next time that it happens. Let the intruder know that they are bothering you, for the protection of your and others privacy.
Comments
Great job!
This is a very interesting idea. I know many people have experienced this, and probably just as many are guilty of doing it. I also believe that the core underlying reason for this invasion of privacy is simply that humans are nosy. They want to know everything that's going on, even if the issue doesn't concern them in the slightest. This post was very intriguing and fun to read! Good job!
I agree with you in the sense
I agree with you in the sense that it can be annoying when my friends look over my shoulder, and especially family members. But for people I don't know it doesnt affect me as much. I'm just as curious as the next person, and if someone was reading a book that intrigued me with its cover, I would want to see what it's about. Some people do cross lines, but it just depen how far people go with it. Great topic though, I like they way you approached this.
I completely agree,people
I completely agree,people looking over your shoulder is obnoxious and distracting, and I'm some cases it can make someone nervous. I always get nervous when a teacher is looking over my shoulder, I even make mistakes that i wouldn't normally make just because he or she is putting pressure on me that is unnecessary. And the
So annoying!!!
I hate this too! I always can sense if someone is behind me looking at what I'm doing. This makes me feel unsecure and I just want to put a bag on my head. Although, I do admit to doing the same thing to others. I'm not quite sure why people are so interested in what others are doing, it's like a natural instinct. Great topic, I loved your explanation about this inquiry.
Respecting Privacy
While I most certainly agree with you, and find it quite annoying when I find people peering over my shoulder, one must understand that part of the reason they are doing that is because of simple human nature. Without the curiosity to drive you, humans would be simple couch potatoes with no drive to do anything. However, people should have to self-control to respect other people's privacy.
I too, have experienced this
I too, have experienced this and my younger brother is doing it now. I took confidence and proudly said "back off!" If only I could muster such confidence on the bus talking to someone I don't know.
You are right.
This is one of my pet peeves, too. My younger brothers seem to enjoy peeking over my shoulders. And my parents. And my friends. And random people on the bus. Ugh.
When people do that, it's the
When people do that, it's the worst! I can totally relate to this.
I can't agree more.
I totally agree with what you're saying, like not only is it rude, its disturbing. And that is probably why I don't like taking out my ipod or phone in the public, there is always someone looking... and being the person I am, I don't say anything, usually I'll just put it away or scoot over...