Page 21 - ADU Voice Volume 3 Issue 2

FALL 2023 · voice 21
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The disadvantages that come with living in a
high-tech-based society will always exist. It’s essential
that we exercise restraint on what we post online.
being hacked. Their databases of user data
that contain information ranging from email
addresses to credit card details can end up
being breached and traded on the dark web.
Furthermore, it is impossible to predict what
the algorithm might put on your timeline,
or what video might appear on your rec-
ommended page. An algorithm’s purpose is
to present the user with information that
is interesting and engaging, rather than
simply factual. Technology companies have
three main goals: engagement, growth, and
advertising. All three of these goals are pow-
ered by algorithms whose job is to pick out
suitable content for each user. Whilst this
might look normal, or even favorable in
some cases, experts have found that algo-
rithms are increasing political polarization
in society. Every little piece of information
that a user receives on their timeline is con-
trolled by the algorithm, and each person has
their own reality with their specially selected
set of content and facts. Subsequently, users
would no longer be able to take into consid-
eration any type of news that contradicts
their views.
There is some support for the idea that
there are multiple consumer-focused pri-
vacy features that we can use to stay safe
online. Whilst social media platforms do
offer options of going incognito or “private,”
they are essentially providing a sense of false
security for their users, because these brows-
ers are never one hundred percent secure.
Firstly, other than hackers, there is no way
to control what the entrusted people who
do have access might do with the content. In
addition, the social media companies them-
selves store and use your private content
and information for their benefit. Lastly, a
private account is just as vulnerable to being
hacked as any other public account. Hackers
who gain access to accounts and personal
information can do so regardless of whether
the account is private or not.
The disadvantages that come with living in
such a high-tech-based society will always
exist. Factors such as technology companies’
advertising goals, exploitation, and problems
with the algorithm are all reasons why we, as
a society, should be more aware of the lack
of internet safety and the dangers that come
with it. One idea currently recommended by
experts is to implement laws around digital
privacy, such as taxing data collection. Such
financial disincentives would ultimately
cease the practice of collecting and storing
large amounts of data. Nevertheless, it’s
essential that we exercise mindfulness and
restraint on what we post and share online,
knowing that regardless of the browser or
account type being using, there is always the
potential for misuse of our data.