What is the scariest thing happening with the internet? Mass data mining and invasion of privacy? Big brother? For me that pretty much sums it up. The internet is a tool for information and research, but too many aspects of the technology are being used against us in sometimes seemingly innocent ways. Data mining, taking our personal information and using it to create profiles about our personal lives so that ad companies can better deliver unwanted advertising and product pushes to our attention. Or simply that fact that elements of our personal lives are out there and can be accessed and abused by anyone with the knowledge and motivation to do so?
Well there you have it. Identity theft. Physical theft. Virtual theft. It all becomes possible through the realm of technology for many ways. People are watching us. Reading our email, looking into our personal lives, making sure that we are behaving and conforming to aspects of societal norms, all too often in the guise of the protection of freedom and government. But at the same time these same invasions of privacy are being utilized in more nefarious ways to bring harm to ourselves, our families and our friends. Personally, I don’t want people knowing that I’m out shopping, away from my house because the gps on my phone let’s everyone know that automatically. I also don’t want the location of my home (which I’m currently away from) known just because it’s been posted on Google Earth.
Technology is great and when used properly can help propel our species into a new and prosperous age. But don’t abuse it. And definitely don’t do stupid things to put yourself and your friends at risk. Technology is to help us learn and progress, not to hurt, control, or profit from those who can’t defend themselves either virtually, financially, or physically.
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