Evading Big Brother: Using visual methods to understand children’s perception of sensors and interest in subverting digital surveillance

In relation to this Special Issue’s focus on ugly information, article examines children’s perception of the often invisible interactions they have with sensor-enabled digital devices and, when prompted, their interest in subverting or blocking these sensors evade surveillance. The authors report a study 12 children, aged 8–12 years, that investigated knowledge sensing abilities commonly used (smart phones, smart watches, speakers and games consoles), attitudes towards having active agency over sensors. line journal’s readership, visual methods for data collection analysis are described. Specifically, within semi-structured groups, drawing was understand what children thought inside extent awareness Child participants were invited model speculative tools deceiving order explore Data form drawings, photographs models video recordings analysed using experimental included 3D rendering comics, as well content thematic analysis. These drew out four key themes: (1) role inference sensor awareness; (2) misunderstanding device components capabilities; (3) surveillance; (4) rather than We discuss how technology companies’ desire create ‘magical experiences’ may contribute incorrect inferences about information gathering systems, reduces share it puts them at greater risk from makes an original contribution area by calling two-pronged approach companies educators address issues making presence more visible, educating full capability bringing critical discussion into curricula.