10 Examples of Technological Risks on the Internet: Abuses, Dangers, and Relevant Statistics

Technological progress has yielded countless benefits but has also birthed considerable risks in the digital realm. This post delves into ten specific instances of technology misuse, unveiling the risks and dangers associated with internet use.

1. Cyberbullying: A concerning phenomenon using technology to harass and intimidate individuals online. According to Statista, 38% witness cyberbullying cases on social media daily

2. Sexting: The exchange of explicit content via tech devices, particularly among minors, poses significant digital risks. A survey by SendNudes, supported by human rights and responsible ICT organizations, found 80% of women and 75% of men consider consent crucial when sending intimate images

3. Phishing Scams: Deceptive tactics employed by criminals to acquire sensitive personal and financial data. This can result in identity theft and substantial financial losses. Statista estimates 13.5 million unique phishing sites globally, underscoring the breadth and gravity of this online threat.

4. Online Predators: Individuals leveraging internet anonymity to target and manipulate vulnerable people, primarily children. According to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), 80% of victims were girls aged 11 to 13, emphasizing the urgency to protect youths online with effective preventive measures.

5. Cyberstalking: Persistent and obsessive monitoring of someone’s online activities without their consent, causing severe distress and privacy invasion. UNICEF warns about online violence, cyberstalking, and digital harassment affecting 70.6% of connected 15 to 24-year-olds worldwide.

6. Online Fraud: Technology-based schemes used by scammers to defraud individuals through financial transactions or disclosing personal information. This leads to substantial financial losses, with consumers reporting nearly $8.8 billion lost due to scams and frauds in 2022, per the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

7. Unauthorized Access to Personal Information: Intrusion by hackers accessing sensitive personal data stored online without permission, potentially causing privacy breaches and identity theft. Amnesty International’s recent survey shows 73% advocate stricter government regulations on major tech companies, with 71% concerned about their personal data collection and usage.

8. Technology Addiction:Excessive tech use leading to dependency, negatively impacting daily life and social interactions, potentially causing social isolation and mental health issues. Statista reports global internet users spend an average of two hours and 27 minutes daily on social platforms.

9. Fake News and Misinformation: Misleading or false information dissemination online, manipulating public opinion and undermining trust in reliable sources. In 2022, Statista noted the coronavirus as the most common theme for spreading fake news, affecting about 50% of respondents.

10. Online Piracy: Illegal sharing and downloading of copyrighted material, such as movies, music, and software, undermining content creators’ rights and potentially harming the entertainment industry. MUSO’s study reports over a 20% increase in visits to illegal site pages within a year.

Examining these ten examples of technological risks provides a comprehensive view of the inherent dangers of technology misuse in today’s society. Understanding and addressing these risks are crucial for fostering a safer and more protected digital environment.