The document discusses how reputation, both for individuals and companies, is increasingly important in today's hyper-connected world. It provides historical examples of how reputation has long impacted people's lives. In the modern era, with people spending many hours online daily and leaving extensive digital footprints, one's reputation is shaped by what shows up about them on search engines and social media. The document examines case studies of how companies like Tesco and BP have been negatively impacted by reputation issues online. It also discusses privacy concerns around sharing personal information publicly and how the concept of online reputation will continue evolving as technologies like the Internet of Things expand.