Princess MoMo

Hell hath no fury like a hacker scorned.

One such hacker or group of hackers epically unleashed this fury by obtaining the personal information of a multitude of users of the infidelity-promoting dating site Ashley Madison.

Do I personally have any sympathy for those exposed? Nope. None. Zero. Initially, a little part of me like the hang nail on my pinky (just kidding, I don’t really have any hang nails; my nails are perfectly manicured) felt a slight bit of sympathy regarding the financial information leaked but then again if you choose to cheat people perhaps you deserve to be cheated yourself.

The beauty of the internet and social media is the ability to publicly shame those who breach social contracts. In life, we have choices. Choices have ramifications. Before engaging in compromising conduct, one should consider the ramifications and whether they’re worth it. Essentially, it boils down to a cost/benefit analysis. Anyway, enough about the perpetrators.

Let’s discuss (briefly, because I have limited interest in the marital strife of others) the real potential victims — the significant others of the cheaters. The point I specifically want to address is: “Do you really want to know?” I read an article that suggested that “ignorance is bliss” may be appropriate in this circumstance. Bump that noise.

Here’s an analogy. Let’s say you are sleeping very peacefully and your mischievous friends are around. Said “friends” decide that it would be hilarious to draw a penis on your forehead. They break out the sharpie and put their humble artistic skills to work. They laugh and giggle, maybe even take some pictures, and then go on their way. Hours later, you awaken, unaware that your forehead served as a canvas. You get up and walk around completely oblivious of your circumstance. You even walk past a couple of your “friends” who act as though nothing is amiss. Finally, you make it to a bathroom, where there’s a mirror, and notice that you’ve been unknowingly floating through life as a dickhead for several hours. Now would you rather have eventually discovered your friends’ transgression or would it have been better for you to remain ignorant of the genital drawn on your face?

Personally, 10 out of 10 times, I’d want to know about the dick on my head for two reasons. First, once you know about it, you no longer have to walk around looking foolish and you are able to address the situation. Second, knowing about your friends’ propensities for graphic art positions you better to assess your friends and your dealings with them.

Sure, the realization that your friends are immature, inconsiderate, and terrible at drawing might sting. But you know what? Our character is tested in times of affliction. Perhaps it’s a sign that those friends have served their purpose and now it’s time to seek friends of greater substance rather than friends that mess with your head.

Ok, analogy over.

So, would you rather know or would you rather live a lie?