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Dr. Christopher Carney
ENGL 1302
10 October 2022
Potentials Dangers of Big Tech Big Tech has always played a huge role in our society. We use it to communicate, get information, and organize our lives (Desk, N.). Many of these technologies are owned by private companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Discover, Google, etc. While all these run different businesses, what they have in common is that they provide digital services (Desk, N.). They are known for their innovation, disruption, and ability to create new markets. The world has become increasingly reliant on technology, and it is impossible to avoid it. From search engines and social media to mobile apps and cloud storage, big tech companies have revolutionized the way we live and work. They continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible, and their impact on the world is only growing. However, the use of big tech in our lives has led to several problems, issues, and potential dangers. One of the biggest problems is the way that big tech companies have been able to collect and use our personal data without our consent or knowledge (Eleodor and Daniela 52.). Additionally, big tech has been shown to be addictive and harmful to our mental health, as well as contributing to the rise of filter bubbles and echo chambers. These are a few risks and dangers associated with big tech. Therefore, despite the various advantages, big tech shares a considerable list of problems, issues, and potential dangers
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to our lives including invading our privacy, influencing public opinions, and our mental health risks. Big tech has made our lives easier in many ways and has helped connect us with people and information in previously unimaginable ways. However, as these companies continue to grow and exert more influence over our lives, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers they pose. The internet has become a staple in our lives, and it’s not going anywhere. However, with
constant access to the internet comes the potential for addiction. Internet addiction is a real problem and can have profound consequences. Big tech companies know this, and they are taking advantage of it by purposely designing their products to be addictive and to keep us coming back for more. They are using marketing techniques that target our emotions and our need for social interaction, and it is working. Since people are spending more and more time online, it’s starting to take a toll on their lives (Singh, Ranjit). They are neglecting their work, family, and friends. They are losing sleep and isolating themselves from the world. This addiction is dangerous, and it needs to be addressed. Big tech companies need to be held accountable for their role in this problem, and they need to take steps to fix it. Otherwise, it will only get worse continuously. Most people are unaware of the true extent to which big tech companies know about them. It is not just what we search on the internet or what we buy that these companies may know, but they also know our political views, our religious views, our sexual preferences, and even our health concerns. There have been numerous stories in the news of data breaches where hackers have gained access to millions of people’s personal data (Eleodor and Daniela 52). This is a huge problem and can lead to identity theft, fraud, and other serious crimes. Another concern
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is that big tech companies may use our personal data to manipulate us. They could target us with ads and content that is designed to influence our behavior. This is a danger to our democracy and
our freedoms (Manheim et al. 106). We need to be aware of the dangers of big tech and take steps to protect our privacy (Tang and Veronica). We should be careful about what information we share online and with whomever, we share it with. Besides, we should also demand that big tech companies be more transparent about how they use our data and give us the ability to opt-
out of having our data collected.
As we become increasingly reliant on big tech companies for the information we consume, we are also becoming more vulnerable to manipulation and misinformation. These companies have the power to shape public opinion and control the flow of information, and they are often motivated by profits than truth. This can lead to many problems, including the spread of
false information, the amplification of hateful and divisive rhetoric, and the suppression of voices that challenge the status quo. For example, Facebook has been accused of manipulating its
news feed to show us things that will keep us engaged on the site, even if those things are not necessarily true or important. While some argue that we should simply be more discerning about the information we consume, the reality is that most people do not have the time or expertise to fact-check everything they see online (Eleodor and Daniela 52). Even if they did, they would still
be at the mercy of algorithms that determine what content is promoted and what is buried. The solution, then, is not for us to try to outsmart the tech companies but for the tech companies to be
more transparent and accountable. We need to demand that they take steps to ensure that the information they disseminate is accurate and that all voices are heard. Otherwise, we risk sleepwalking into a future in which we are controlled by a few powerful corporations.
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Big tech is often lauded for its ability to connect us with others and give us access to information and services that we wouldn’t otherwise have. However, there is a dark side ti big tech that can have serious implications for our mental and physical health. For one, the constant connection to technology can be extremely harmful to our mental health. Studies have shown that too much time spent on screens can lead to increased anxiety and depression, as well as problems with concentration and sleep. Additionally, the constant flow of information and notifications can be overwhelming, leading to information overload and stress. Physical health is also at risk due to big tech. The lifestyle that often comes with spending too much time online can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Additionally, the blue light from the screen can cause eye strain and headaches and can even disrupt our sleep cycles (Sing and Ranjit). Therefore, these are clearly serious risks associated with big tech. While it can be helpful and convenient, we need to be aware of the potential dangers and take steps to protect our mental and
physical health, privacy, manipulation, and addiction. In conclusion, the ubiquity of technology in our lives has led to some serious issues and dangers that we need to address. Mental and physical health concerns are on the rise due to the constant use of technology. We are more connected to our devices than ever before, and this has led to an increase in anxiety and depression. On the other hand, privacy is another big concern when it comes to technology. We are constantly sharing our personal information online, and this
can lead to identity theft and other problems. Addiction, as discussed, is yet another significant issue we need to address. We are so ingrained in our devices and the constant flow of information and entertainment that they provide. This calls manipulation of information that we keep watching online, especially on social media such as Tik Tok, Facebook, YouTube, etc. With the ever-increasing reliance on technology in our lives, it is becoming more and more
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important to be aware of the potential dangers that come with it. Hence, staying informed and taking steps to protect ourselves can help to ensure that we can continue to enjoy the benefits of technology without putting ourselves at risk.
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Works Cited
Desk, N. (2021, April 17). How dangerous is big tech? DW Analysis
. The Global Herald. Retrieved October 15, 2022,
(https://theglobalherald.com/news/how-dangerous-is-big-tech-dw-analysis/) Eleodor, Daniela. "BIG TECH, BIG COMPETITION PROBLEM? 1." Calitatea 20.S3 (2019): 49-57. (
https://www.srac.ro/calitatea/en/arhiva/supliment/2019/Q-asContents_Vol.20_S3_October-
2019.pdf#page=41
)
Manheim, Karl, and Lyric Kaplan. "Artificial intelligence: Risks to privacy and democracy."
Yale JL & Tech.
21 (2019): 106. (
https://heinonline.org/hol-cgi-bin/get_pdf.cgi?handle=hein.journals/
yjolt21§ion=4
)
Singh, Ranjit. "Perils of Screen Addiction." (
https://www.akgec.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/10-
Dr_Ranjit_Singh-1.pdf
)
Tang, Veronica.
Privacy and the Struggle to Preserve it: Reevaluating Big Tech through Contemporary Literature
. Diss. Harvard University, 2022. (
https://search.proquest.com/openview/cc181ea2d7c22453398dc5566a47b24d/1?pq-
origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
)
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