Throughout Dave Eggers novel, The Circle, the author illustrates the relationship between data and privacy, showing the contradictory nature of these two thematic elements, forcing readers to reflect on the viewpoint in which the company takes on these issues in comparison to the effects of the relationship more obvious to readers.

In the novel, data is shown to have negative effects on privacy. When Mae first needed help in setting up her social profiles within the company, she mentioned to Gina that the task felt “extracurricular”. Gina, however, felt offended by the comment in that she considered the consistent commenting and participation within the InnerCircle and OuterCircle as essential to the work done at the Circle. Gina believes that the data creates a more connected community. She further points out that communication comes from the latin word communis which means “shared by all or many”. Gina, as well as other longtime Circlers, take on the belief that the endless communication within the company, through their data systems, is essential, in this way, eliminating privacy. By making a point to share every aspect of life at the Circle, users are limited in what knowledge is kept to themselves because the data is available for public consumption.

As Mae made a point to be more involved in the “inner” and “outer” social networks of the company, she failed to realize the effect it would have on her privacy. Although there was encouragement to seek out people like her, especially those who are children of parents with MS, Mae found it exhausting to keep up with these people. As she saw the endless exchange, Mae felt, “some darkness opening its wings within her,” (Eggers, 105). Mae felt that her father’s experience with MS was private and never even considered it as a workplace topic. Circlers feel that all parts of employees lives should be invested in the company, and use the data within the company to identify any areas in which employees do not forsake their privacy and in turn, urge them to get involved.

When Denise from human resources checks in with Mae’s progress, she believes that Mae is an enigma, a mystery in the eyes of Circlers. Because Mae still holds on to a desire to be private in some ways, the company feels the need to take action in making her understand the aspects of community that are so valued there. Efforts are made to get Mae more involved in social events. Mae’s whereabouts are made possible through data. Denise knew exactly what time she left for the weekend and when she returned on Monday morning. Mae can’t quite connect with the idea that the company wants to know everything about her, even what she watched on TV when she was at her parents house. Because the company holds Passion, Participation, and Transparency in high value, the data prevents any type of existence of privacy. Through participation in life at the Circle, circlers give up their privacy in order to be transparent. At the same time, this is a company highly regarded for the safe keep of highly important information. The values of the company and the role it plays in society cannot coexist.