Bentham’s panopticon is the architectural figure that allows one watchman to observe all inmates of an institution without them knowing they are being watched. Those in the cells cannot see other cell mates because of walls. This person can be observed but cannot see. This panopticon creates a strong power dynamic of the watchman over the inmates. The inmates can see the tower, but have no idea when they could be watched. For fear of punishment prisoners have no choice but to do as they are told and to follow the rules. The anxiety of the gaze leads to almost no need for an overseer at all. There is a self-disciple that is created by the inmates themselves out of fear of punishment. This panopticon acts a a power mechanism, feeding on the consciousness of constant visibility.

This perfection of power structure can transcend into the realm of the political sphere including aspects of education, production, and punishment. Although the actual architectural structure of the panopticon may not be in use, its metaphorical aspect of power can certainly be displayed in the hierarchical social structures such as armies, schools, hospitals, or factories. In the technological age of the present things such as surveillance cameras and trackers are argued to be more advanced mechanisms of this panoptic control. The Panopticon, once a centralized power structure, has now become decentralized, commodified, and fetishsized.

The Panopticon has become decentralized through modern day recording devices and internet and mobile devices. The concept of "Big Brother" from George Orwell's novel 1984 presents the idea that the government is watching its citizens at all times. Devices such as CCTV security cameras, trackers, and chips are a part of society. Now we live in the age where nearly every person has a camera on their phone and the ability to make an individual’s actions public and for everyone to see. Examples of these expositions and decentralization can come from anything from social justice to unmasking true intentions. The sharing of images and videos expands the concept of a single watchman, including many people, which decentralizes the panopticon. People are now constantly visible through forms of social media, not knowing who may be observing them.