One high-profile example occurred in 2016, when the FBI requested that Apple Inc. unlock an iPhone belonging to a suspect. Apple resisted, arguing that creating a “backdoor” would compromise the security of all users.
The debate highlighted a fundamental tension:
Should secrets always remain secret?
Or are there circumstances when cracking the code becomes necessary?
There are no simple answers.
The Psychology of Secrets
Secrets aren’t just technological — they’re deeply human.
On a personal level, secrets can protect:
Identity
Vulnerability
Safety
But they can also create stress and isolation.
Psychological studies suggest that keeping significant secrets can impact mental well-being. The act of concealment requires cognitive effort, which can lead to anxiety or guilt.
