Reader Response Draft 1

According to ‘The Perils of Over-sharing in Social Networks’ by David Emm (2014), there are increasing worries about social networks privacy. Emm emphasis that, the information which people are sharing online will pose potential threats offline. The over-reliance on the Internet in their daily lives expose them to online criminals. The article also mentions that people tend to overlook the danger while using mobile network devices. Since it is not a common aim of an attack, it creates a “false sense of security”. Various ways to minimise the risk suggests by Emm includes installing Internet security software and use distinct passwords for different  accounts.

I supports Emm’s main claim that over-reliant on the internet will potentially generate a negative impact on people’s daily lives.

Emm mentions in his article that the information people choose to share online will affect them in real life. This is because people tends to believe the internet is an unrestrictive zone where they can freely express themselves. However, this is not true. The internet is regulated under various authorities. If they regard certain information shared by the internet user as offensive, they might take actions against the uploader. In Yahoo news “ NUS student Sun Xun punished for ‘dog’ comment” by Sim (2012) proves that people have to bare the consequences for their insensitive comments posted on the internet. Thus, even if the internet provides a convenient platform for people to exchange their thoughts, the users should still be careful of the information  they shared online. Whatever goes online will not just be online.

Emm also mentions in his article that it is more risky to access internet through mobile devices. Due to the conveniency of smartphones and tablets, people are storing increasingly more personal information into such devices. In addition to that, there are actions taken unintentionally by the users which further expose themselves. Such actions includes applications with location enabling, in-app purchasing, and phone number verification. The consequences will be more severe if people use mobile devices for internet banking. Once the device is lost or stolen, it is impossible to safely retrieve the data back.

In conclusion, I am agree with Emm's argument that over-reliance on the internet is dangerous. There are many loopholes on the internet security that criminals can take advantage off. Also, internet user's personal behavior such as over-sharing their personal information and inapporate comments will further enhance the negative impact of using the internet.

Reference

David Emm(2014, 21 March), The Peril of Over-sharing in Social Networks [Web log post]

Retrieved from :

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/david-emm/the-perils-of-over-sharing-in-social-networks_b_5005276.html

Sim. F (2012, March 27). NUS student Sun Xun punished for ‘dog’ comment. Yahoo News Singapore.

Retrieved from:

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/chinese-scholar-sun-xu-s-scholarship-terminated.html