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The criticism section of the Wikipedia article focuses on political aspects, but to me, the very idea of keeping someone feeling like they're always watched sounds like psychological torture.

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In fairness if you’ve ever been bullied and corned out of view of the teachers, having someone seeing you may feel like a relief.

That assumes they'll do anything instead of turn a blind eye.

In my school experience they turned a blind eye unless you fought back in which case they would punish you for fighting back.

Many of the bullying stories on here involve either a do-nothing response by authorities or both sides being punished. I do not see how constant monitoring ensures any kind of protection or justice.

And yet, I bet when you make a trade on craigslist (showing my age :), you meet in a public place where people can see you. Why?

Key word is always. It's not just about being observed (with or without knowing when and by whom), but also having no control over it.

Craiglist-mediated exchange is a choice. School, prison or workplace is not - not in any practical sense.

I don't think I've ever met in a public place for Craigslist trades. I've always gone to the seller's house. I don't think we've ever sold anything, but when we put something up for free online we just leave it outside and tell them to come get it.

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