The Panopticon is a design concept for a prison created by the philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century. It features a circular structure with a central watchtower, allowing a single guard to observe all inmates without them knowing when they are being watched. This design aims to promote self-regulation among prisoners, as they must assume they are always under surveillance. The idea of the Panopticon extends beyond prisons and has influenced discussions on surveillance and social control in modern society. It raises questions about privacy, power dynamics, and the impact of constant observation on behavior, relevant in contexts like digital surveillance and social media.