In discussions of surveillance, what metaphor has been dominant?

The dominant metaphor in discussions of surveillance is the Panopticon. This concept originated from philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century, describing an institutional building designed for surveillance where a single guard can observe all inmates without them being able to tell whether they are being watched. The essence of the Panopticon is its ability to induce a state of conscious awareness in individuals, influencing their behavior because they believe they may be watched at any moment.

This metaphor captures the modern context of surveillance, exemplifying how individuals and populations are subjected to constant observation, often leading to self-regulation and compliance to social norms. Whether in criminal justice or digital surveillance, the Panopticon serves as a powerful symbol for understanding the implications of surveillance on behavior, autonomy, and privacy.

The other metaphors, while relevant in discussions about power and control, do not encapsulate the core principles of surveillance in the same way. The Synopticon, for example, focuses on how the many can observe the few, which alters the dynamics of surveillance but diverges from the idea of power and control through constant, invisible observation presented by the Panopticon.