Don't fuck with cats

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I recently watched the Netflix documentary Don’t F**k With Cats. The title is catchy, but I was completely unprepared for the story behind it. 

https://www.netflix.com/se-en/title/81031373

my cat Achilles

Watching a group of strangers mobilize on Facebook to hunt down a psychopath was both impressive and deeply unsettling. The level of "internet nerd" dedication required to track someone down like that is something I never expected to see.

However, the documentary left me thinking about more than just the crime. It made me reflect on the "digital stalking" culture we live in today.


The Entertainment Factor

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend in my own life and online: people treating others' personal lives like a spectator sport. Whether it’s dating, flirting, or just casual "chitchat," it feels like people are watching for their own entertainment. There is this gross sense that every date needs a "public approval" or a post-match commentary. It’s dehumanizing.

I have searched for the information, and the reason I feel like I am being watched for "entertainment" is often due to SDKs (Software Development Kits).

  • Most apps use third-party code for "analytics" or "ads."

  • Even if App A doesn't have your location, the Ad-Plugin inside App A might have grabbed it from App B five minutes ago.

  • They "stitch" your identity together across different platforms to build a profile of your dating habits, interests, and movements.


The Privacy Trade-off

We all know the risks:

  • Fake Profiles: Catfishing and bots are everywhere.

  • Performative Posting: People curated fake lives and stories.

  • The Lack of Consent: Personal details are being shared without permission.

funny cat meme


Yes, we need to be careful and vigilant about who we interact with. But "being careful" shouldn't mean accepting that our personal lives are public property. My life isn't a content feed for strangers to judge, and the "investigative" energy people bring to social media has reached a level that feels more like harassment than hobbyism.


Digital Self-Defense (and its Limits)

After watching how easily people can be tracked, I’ve tightened my own boundaries. My hard rule is: No microphone and no camera permissions for social apps. 

However, I’ve also learned that permissions aren't a silver bullet. Apps can still "see" you through Inference and Side Channels:

  • Sensor Inference: Even without the mic, apps can sometimes access the accelerometer or gyroscope. Research has shown that vibrations from your speech can actually be picked up by these sensors and "translated" back into audio with high-accuracy AI.

  • The "Shadow" Map: Even without GPS, an app can still find your IP Address. This gives away your city, your neighborhood, and even which Wi-Fi network you’re on. If you and your date are on the same Wi-Fi, the app effectively knows you are together.

  • Metadata: When you upload a "no-camera" photo (like one you took earlier), that file often contains EXIF data—hidden text that says exactly where (GPS coordinates) and when the photo was taken.



Reclaiming Privacy

We live in a world of fake identities, curated stories, and non-consensual exposure. Yes, we have to be careful, but "being careful" shouldn't mean accepting that our private lives are public property.

The internet is a powerful tool, but after seeing what it’s capable of, I’ve realized where I need to draw the line between "sleuthing" and stalking. My life isn't a content feed for strangers to judge, and my privacy isn't up for debate.





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