Critical Analysis Tran

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Feb 20, 2024

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Tran 1 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

Tran 2 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

Tran 3 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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