The Dark Side of Technology: Privacy, Addiction, and Data Exploitation

    Hey friends! Technology has found its way in our lives every day - be it has been chatting with your friends in WhatsApp or even booking a taxi, watching a movie or even shopping online. It simplifies life, makes it quicker and more tied up. However, like all things, there is also the dark side of technology, the side, which we are not always discussing.

    I today I would like to have a candid discussion with regards to the role of technology that is useful but can also interfere with our privacy, habit, and even the manner in which our personal data is shared. No, I will make it easy and friendly, just as we are both sitting, drinking chai and talking in a friendly manner!

    Then, we should take a dive into the less bright side of technology and learn about what we can do in order to remain safe.

1. Privacy: are we safe online?

    We are quick to share pictures, messages or location information. But have you ever asked yourself - who also can see this information?

    Apps and websites are collecting our personal information such as phone numbers, the websites we visit, our shopping behaviors and even the voice commands. A portion of it is to provide us with better service, yet much of it is applied to follow our behaviour or market goods.

    I recall a time when I had been online in search of running shoes and all over my social media feed, I saw ads of sportswear! It was at the time I realised that we give away a lot of information without realising.

    Even the government and health applications demand authorizations which we give without thinking. Not necessarily, but carelessness can expose us to fraudulent acts, counterfeit contacts or even identity theft.

What You Can Do:

• Use passwords with a lot of strength and frequently change passwords.
• Pay attention when clicking on links or attachments in e-mail.

2.Addiction - Technology When it Takes Us Over.

                   

    Have you had any experience of spending hours scrolling Instagram or watching YouTube without even a clue of the time that has passed? Don't worry - you are not alone! Many of us face this problem.

    Technology is meant to ensure that we are addicted. The notifications, likes and constant updates make our brains desire more attention and before we realize, hours have passed.

    On a personal level, there have been days when I intended to study or complete some work but was binge-watching videos. I was later on guilty and frustrated with myself.

    Particularly, social media platforms, smartphones, and gaming apps are addictive. They offer us immediate gratifications - a like, a message, a video - and have us returning time and again.

3. Data Exploitation - Who Capitalises on our personal data?

                  

    There are a lot of companies that provide their apps or services with free, however the reality is that when you are not paying a product, you are the product.

    We are surveyed, profiled and sold our data to advertisers or third parties in order to receive personalized advertisements or services. At times, we even share the private information such as location or health information without our knowledge.

    It has happened that data of users has been leaked or sold to users resulting in misuse such as identity theft or fraud. Such cases teach us that privacy is a thing that we should be proactive in taking care of.

    In fact, when my friend downloaded a health tracking application, it began to request her information, such as her weight, medical history, activity levels, etc. However, since she was later to discover, as adverts and offers would start coming up everywhere!

What You Can Do:

• Read privacy policies (at least the most important ones prior to accepting them).
• Secure browsers or VPNs will safeguard the online activity.
• Periodically check your privacy settings of social media.

4. The Reasons to Talk about These Issues.

                         

    It is not difficult to think about the advantages of technology i.e. quicker communication, more fun, or intelligent devices. However, its dark side must not be disregarded, as it may cause even greater problems in the future.

    Discussion of privacy, addiction, and data misuse will keep us on our toes and make measures to secure ourselves, our families. It is not to quit technology, which is unattainable in the modern world but to apply it in a well-considered and prudent manner.

Make Technology Work to our Advantage!

    Technology is such an influential tool. Depending on the way it is used, it can be either used to construct a better life or make unnecessary stresses and risks.

    It might be a long way to go, but by understanding the risks to our privacy, limiting the time we spend at the computer, and making sure to protect our personal data, we will be able to reap the advantages of technology, remaining safe and healthy.

Join the Conversation!

    When you have found this article useful, then share it in the social media so that other people can also know how to use technology safely. Second, you can subscribe to our blog in order to find more easy, useful tips regarding technology, devices, and Internet security. I will continue to provide you with tips that are not complex and can be applied in everyday life.

 It is time to harness technology to our benefit rather than to rule us!