In this technological age, it is acknowledged that large internet companies and organisations store vast amounts of personal data from millions of people. From my perspective, the drawbacks of this matter outweigh its benefits, and this essay will discuss both views as well as elucidate my opinion.
On the one hand, the storage of personal information by internet companies and organisations has some advantages. For instance, it faciliates better service for users by allowing advertising agencies to tailor advertisements to their specific interests and preferences. For example, when users search for something on Facebook, in all probability, Facebook will recommend them a plenty of relevant advertisements. This can save users time and effort in finding relevant products or services. Additionally, internet companies and organisations can use this data to limit access to inappropriate content, creating a safer and more responsible online environment. This makes a contribution to creating a better society because it gets rid of misbehaviours originated from toxic contents. Youtube Kids can restrict access to videos that may be harmful to children
On the other hand, this trend poses significant risks to users’ privacy and well-being. First and foremost, these internet companies and organisations may sell customers’ information to the third parties in order to gain profits, compromising their privacy. This has been a recurring issue, with Facebook being accused of selling user data multiple times. Therefore, when we share secret documents, videos,…, there is a chance that these information will be leaked, which is a violation of privacy. As a result, users may be vulnerable to identity theft, blackmail, and other illicit practices. Furthermore, this matter can pose serious threats to users’ mental health. Secondly, the constant threat of data breaches can cause users to feel anxious, worried, and aloof, leading to a loss of trust in online services. They may also adopt a too skeptical mindset and not tend to believe anything since they are afraid of being deceived. Secondly, recommended advertisements on the Internet are sometimes pernicious. Furthermore, the targeted advertising on the internet can be pernicious, promoting unhealthy products or services to vulnerable individuals, such as children.