Going Ghost: seventeen ways to keep a low profile in a society that wants to be seen

There are many advantages to keeping a low profile in this world, not to mention peace of mind, personal sovereignty, security, freedom, and the sheer thrill of being unseen.

It’s not easy, but there are things we can do.

You’d have to be pretty hardcore to eradicate all traces of your existence from society altogether.

But there is still plenty we can do:

1. Avoid using social media and other online platforms that require personal information.
2. Use cash instead of credit or debit cards.
3. Limit the time you spend online and rediscover offline sources of entertainment and fulfilment, like hosting your own book club, going hiking, or reading real books.
4. Use a VPN when accessing the internet to protect your online activity and IP address.
5. Live a location-independent lifestyle, in which you are very loosely tied to any one geographical place, and — because you own little by way of material belongings — you are logistically flexible and able to move quickly as needed.
6. Use a P.O box or mail forwarding service for mail and packages.
7. Use a pseudonym or a different name when signing up for services or making purchases.
8. Do not give out personal information such as your address, phone number, or email to strangers or businesses.
9. Avoid using loyalty cards and other forms of tracking.
10. Be mindful of the information you share on public records such as voting, property, and court records.
11. Be careful about the photos and videos you share online; make sure not to reveal too much about yourself or your location.
12. Be aware of your surroundings and be cautious about the information you share in public places.
13. Avoid using a mobile smartphone or only use it with a pre-paid phone and a fake name.
14. Use public transport or carpool instead of driving your own vehicle.
15. Avoid providing personal information when filling out forms or signing up for services.
16. Be careful about the people you allow into your life. Avoid forming close relationships with people who might later use your information against you. Learn what kinds of people would benefit from knowing you and having access to your details.
17. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid being followed or monitored.

Much of this and the above can be mitigated by moving out of large metropolitan areas and returning to a simpler form of subsistence living.

If you have other ideas, I’d love to hear from you below.

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