Technology VS Privacy
Technology in our world today is becoming more advanced each and every day. With this tremendous growth come great advancements, but also opens many doors which should remain closed. I personally defend technology. I believe as long as you use technology appropriately it can make your life easier. With the facts stated below I am willing to argue that technology has helped improve our world today even though the statistics may not match up.
With the technology field increasing has produced many new jobs for people throughout the world. Computers bring many different manufacturing companies to the table such as Dell, HP, and Gateway. Computers also brought custom brands such as AMD, Intel, Gigabyte, Corsair, and many others to battle out their product over another. Another great achievement such as Microsoft has revolutionized the entire world by the means of communicating and interacting with other businesses, people, and anything else you could imagine. The technology world has increased competition and adding a huge positive score towards the technology scene.
With the internet becoming more advanced our privacy is becoming more available to others around the world. Myspace, Facebook, and instant messengers are examples of how people are able to interact with one another. These programs are just the stepping stones on invading your privacy. When you use technology you must be smart on how you use it because it can help you as well as hurt you (2).
Although the Internet and other forms of electronic communication offer new and exciting opportunities for children, they also expose children to new threats. For example, Federal law enforcement agencies have encountered numerous instances in which adult pedophiles have made contact with minors through online chat rooms, established a relationship with the child, and later made contact for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual activities (1).
There are steps parents and others can take to protect children from online dangers. Parents should teach their children to follow the common-sense “rules of the road” for the Internet, including the need to protect their privacy in the online world. The FBI, for example, has prepared an online “Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety.”
Kevin West, special agent in charge of the Computer Crimes Unit for the State Bureau of Investigation, said what’s most significant about the agreement is that it involves a big player in the realm of networking sites and could prompt others to join the effort. West said his agents, and those who work with them in local agencies across the state, could use the help. Since his unit was created in November 2003 with four agents, it has expanded to 13 agents who are overwhelmed with cases, nearly all of which involve people trying to sexually exploit children they meet online. Four years ago, West said, predators found most of their victims through chat rooms. Now, nearly all have profiles on MySpace, Facebook or some other social networking site (2).
First, do not give out your social security number. Second, do not make your pictures or your profile available for everyone to see. Always set your profile to be viewed only for your friends. Thirdly, reset your passwords frequently and make your passwords more complex such as: mr199009, r24536, m298074. By doing these simple steps you are on your way to becoming more evolved in technology and still obtaining your privacy (1-2).
When people start to use these types of technologies without thinking through all the way people end up with their identity stolen or end up being stalked by online predators. By people becoming more aware of their actions on the internet they could prevent such things from happening.
Other advancements in technology such as credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards now rule the world of methods we pay for our needs, wants, etc. The first widely accepted plastic charge card was issued in 1958 by American Express. Approximately 51 percent of the U.S. population has at least two credit cards. With this dramatic increase of cards being issued evens out the playing field for someone to steel your identity. In fact the number of U.S. identity fraud victims increased from 22 percent in 2008 to 9.9 million adults. Through the years of the United States Americans always faced fear of death and war, but now we face another type of fear. Credit and debit card fraud is the No. 1 fear of Americans (3-4).
These types of frauds are caused by releasing your card number to a non trusted online site for buying goods. Fraud could also occur by loosing your wallet or purse causing you to lose not only your card but also your driver’s license, cash, and your personal property within these items.
With all the cons listed above there are still many positives towards technology. Many of us are able to pay our bills online instead of mailing an enclosed payment or having to drive to that company’s location. By having credit and debit card we are able to pay and go without having to write a check or wait for cash back or even just having the exact amount of money to pay for something.
For those that oppose it is understandable not to use technology. By not using credit cards, online websites, and social websites you can steer clear of the identity theft and credit card fraud. Even though the fight for Technology VS Privacy can go to the Pros or the Cons it all comes down to how you use technology and stay safe while using the internet.
Works Cited
- “1999 Report on Cyberstalking: A New Challenge for Law Enforcement & Industry.” 1999 Report on Cyberstalking: A New Challenge for Law Enforcement & Industry (2000): 1. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCO. Web. 23 Nov. 2009.
- Quillin, Martha “MySpace to fight online predators: In New York, state attorneys general announce an accord with the Web site.” News & Observer, The (Raleigh, NC) 15 Jan. 2008: Newspaper Source. EBSCO. Web. 23 Nov. 2009.
- http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-card-industry-facts-personal-debt-statistics-1276.php
- http://w ww.technology-facts.com/
- www.fbi.gov
i agree with this. the only way you can become a victim of these things is if you allow it. if you are smart with the way you use the internet then you have nothing to worry about. i really liked your picture as well
I really liked the fact that you stated that parents must teach their children how to appropriately use the internet and other sources of technology because kids these days think they know more about technology than their parents which most do, but parents shouldn’t let their children become like that because that’s where problems arise with online predators and identity thefts. Really good content and you stated your side very clearly with strong examples. (=
I certainly agree with you on this one. Technology has its risks, but provides many benefits. Most people tend to rely on programmers to make their systems secure and overlook common sense by using weak passwords or privacy settings.
I agree with you paper. Great paper. I liked how you backed technology and how you stated things like how we use it to communicate and how the FBI is involved with this. It should show people how they should appriciate this instead of Bomb it.
I agree with your paper. The security system needs to be a lot strong to avoid identity theft. Technology can be a good thing to have but also a bad thing.