Networked Communications Overview

Questions and Answers

What was the share of spam in email traffic at its peak in 2009?

90%

85% (correct)

25%

57%

What is one of the primary benefits of networked communications?

Increase in scams

Threats to democratic institutions

Bullying and harassment

Connecting with friends and relatives (correct)

Which of the following is a method used by firms to gather email addresses?

In-person meetings

Chat-room conversations (correct)

Surveys

Cold calling

What phenomenon does the increase of spam emails represent?

The design of the Internet that allows unfair communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a contributing factor to the profitability of spam?

Free nature of email messages Signup and view all the answers

What main effort is being made by law enforcement agencies in response to spam?

Shutting down botnet command centers Signup and view all the answers

What was estimated to be the financial impact of wasted productivity due to spam in the U.S.?

Tens of billions Signup and view all the answers

Did Ann the Acme Accountant do anything wrong by sending the cookie sale email to her colleagues?

Yes, she spammed her coworkers. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the second formulation of the Categorical Imperative emphasize?

Respecting the autonomy of others Signup and view all the answers

What was the profit per box of cookies sold by the Girl Scouts?

$3 Signup and view all the answers

What was identified as a harm caused to the company due to the cookie-selling email?

Time wasted by employees Signup and view all the answers

According to Rule Utilitarian Analysis, what was a consequence of everyone soliciting donations via email?

Employee grumbling and lower morale Signup and view all the answers

How did Ann demonstrate honesty in her email solicitation?

By disclosing her identity Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory argues that Ann's action was not strictly wrong because she didn't force anyone?

Kantian Ethics Signup and view all the answers

What alternative approach could Ann have taken to avoid employee complaints?

Posted a sign-up sheet for interested parties Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Internet usage had increased significantly as indicated in the content?

Use of smartphones and tablets Signup and view all the answers

What was a noted use of social media during political activism in the Philippines?

To organize demonstrations Signup and view all the answers

What deceptive strategy was employed by Macedonian entrepreneurs regarding pro-Trump websites?

Using misleading headlines for advertising Signup and view all the answers

What is the voting algorithm used by Google to rank pages based on?

The number of links pointing to a page Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four characteristics of Internet addiction as listed by psychiatrist Jerald Block?

Overexertion Signup and view all the answers

What action did Reddit, Twitter, and Google take regarding revenge porn?

They took action to protect victims. Signup and view all the answers

According to the American Psychiatric Association, how is Internet addiction classified?

Data is insufficient to list it as a mental disorder Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects Jeffrey Reiman's view on addiction?

Addicts' behavior is rational in hopeless situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant concern regarding social media's impact on democracy?

It undermines trust and informed dialogue. Signup and view all the answers

How has social media impacted traditional newspapers?

Reduced advertising income for newspapers. Signup and view all the answers

What form of censorship is the most common?

Self-Censorship Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding freedom of expression?

It can be restricted for the public good. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical perspective opposed censorship during the Enlightenment?

Mill Signup and view all the answers

What was one mechanism used by governments for censorship described in the content?

Licensing and registration of media Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of traditional newspapers referred to as the Fourth Estate?

To inform citizens and hold power accountable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of direct censorship?

Government control over all media outlets. Signup and view all the answers

What event in history first challenged government control over the distribution of information?

The advent of the printing press. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jeremy Jaynes' case highlight regarding spam laws?

Spam laws can be too broad and suppress free speech. Signup and view all the answers

What was the ruling of the Supreme Court regarding the FCC and the First Amendment?

The FCC's actions were justified under the law Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory suggests that the benefits of Kate's blog gaining popularity outweigh the possible harms caused to Jerry?

Act Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What was Jerry's reasonable expectation regarding the photo taken by Kate?

That it would be kept private at the party Signup and view all the answers

According to Rule Utilitarian Analysis, why was Kate's action deemed bad?

It fosters a negative social environment Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary reasons that college students are more likely to be victims of identity theft?

They live in close quarters with others Signup and view all the answers

What does the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) require from libraries?

To filter pages containing obscenity or child pornography Signup and view all the answers

What method do identity thieves often use to gain access to personal data?

Social engineering Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sexting, what percentage of teens reported engaging in this behavior?

Between 3 and 7 percent Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Supreme Court's ruling on CIPA have on First Amendment rights?

Determined that content filtering does not violate First Amendment guarantees Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a method through which identity theft occurs?

Shoulder surfing Signup and view all the answers

What was the total profit generated from cookie sales in Ann's scenario?

$108 Signup and view all the answers

According to Rule Utilitarian Analysis, what was a significant consequence of widespread solicitation for donations via email?

Higher levels of employee grumbling Signup and view all the answers

What did Ann fail to demonstrate according to Virtue Ethics Analysis based on her cookie-selling email?

Fairness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents a benefit of using the Internet as listed in the content?

Buying and selling products Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a special case of cyberbullying involving the sharing of explicit images without consent?

Revenge porn Signup and view all the answers

What ethical principle suggests that people should be treated as ends in themselves?

Kantian Analysis Signup and view all the answers

What approach is suggested as a better alternative for Ann to avoid complaints from her colleagues?

Creating a sign-up sheet for interested colleagues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT one of the four traits of Internet addiction as described by psychiatrist Jerald Block?

Positive reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

What was identified as a harm caused to the company due to Ann's email solicitation?

Lost employee productivity Signup and view all the answers

What action have platforms like Reddit and Twitter taken in response to issues such as revenge porn?

Taken action to protect victims Signup and view all the answers

Which technological advancement has increased internet accessibility on mobile devices?

Mobile apps Signup and view all the answers

What is one major contributing factor to internet addiction identified in individual factors?

Tendency to pursue activities to excess Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant societal concern related to the impact of social media as noted in the content?

Increased political polarization Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary use of text messaging during political activism in the Philippines?

To organize demonstrations Signup and view all the answers

What unethical behavior was attributed to the Internet Research Agency during the elections?

Using false personas on social media Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern regarding social media's influence on democracy?

Creating ideological echo chambers for users Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the decline of traditional newspapers?

Rise of digital advertising and social media platforms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a form of direct censorship?

Prepublication review of articles Signup and view all the answers

What is self-censorship primarily driven by?

Fear of backlash or persecution Signup and view all the answers

What ethical perspective on censorship did John Stuart Mill advocate?

All opinions should be freely expressed to uncover truth Signup and view all the answers

What does the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution ensure?

Freedom of speech balanced with public safety Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill’s Principle of Harm state regarding the exercise of power?

Power should prevent harm to others, not for one's own good Signup and view all the answers

Which country is noted for its sophisticated Internet filtering system?

North Korea Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event illustrated the challenge to government control over information distribution?

The rise of print media following the printing press Signup and view all the answers

Why do governments implement filtering and surveillance of Internet content?

To control dissent and maintain political stability Signup and view all the answers

What ethical consideration was primarily violated by Kate when she posted Jerry's photo without permission?

Deontological ethics Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant negative consequences discussed in the Rule Utilitarian Analysis regarding Kate's actions?

Potential harm to Jerry's future reputation Signup and view all the answers

Regarding the Child Internet Protection Act, what was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling?

It did not infringe on First Amendment rights. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory would argue that the collective benefits of people being more self-conscious outweigh the positives of Kate's photo posting?

Rule Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

How does identity theft primarily occur, according to the content?

Through lost credit cards or checks Signup and view all the answers

Why are college students particularly vulnerable to identity theft?

They live in close quarters and may not secure personal data. Signup and view all the answers

What methodology is commonly used in web filters to block inappropriate content?

Maintaining a blacklist of objectionable sites Signup and view all the answers

In terms of ethical evaluations, which perspective emphasizes the importance of freedom of conscience over censorship?

Social Contract Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most closely related to the ethical evaluation that deemed CIPA as wrong from a Kantian perspective?

Restrictions on individual freedom Signup and view all the answers

What online behavior reflects a significant concern about privacy and trust during interpersonal relationships, as mentioned in the content?

Engaging in sexting Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage of spam in email traffic by 2009?

85% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT commonly used by spammers to acquire email addresses?

Surveys in person Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the principal factors contributing to the profitability of spam emails?

Low cost of sending bulk emails Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon explains the surge in spam emails in relation to internet design?

Email messages being practically free Signup and view all the answers

What new technological response emerged as a result of the spam issue?

The development of spam filters Signup and view all the answers

What is a scenario illustrating the potential harm caused by Ann emailing her coworkers about the cookie sale?

Job dissatisfaction among employees Signup and view all the answers

How did the share of spam in email traffic change after 2009?

It declined to about 57% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a byproduct of the rise in spam emails due to internet characteristics?

Motivation to send more unsolicited messages Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable characteristic of spam as it evolved from 2003 to 2009?

Spam's share of email traffic peaked at 85% before declining. Signup and view all the answers

Which method does NOT contribute to the acquisition of email addresses for spammers?

Surveys conducted through social media platforms. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major implications of the Spam Tsunami for businesses and ISPs?

There was a substantial increase in the development of spam filters. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily motivates individuals to send out more spam emails?

A strong financial incentive linked to sent volume. Signup and view all the answers

How has the approach of spammers changed in response to the decline in spam share of email traffic?

Spammers have shifted towards targeting specific and curated email lists. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon illustrates the unintended social consequences of new technologies, as highlighted in the content?

Computers facilitating remote work without boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exemplifies a method used by bot herders to distribute spam?

Controlling a network of compromised computers known as botnets. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable financial aspect of spam when considering its profitability for senders?

It costs approximately $10 to send an ad to a million email addresses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements most accurately reflects the reasons behind the classification of Internet addiction as a non-mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association?

Insufficient data exists to classify it as a formal mental disorder. Signup and view all the answers

What is one notable consequence of excessive Internet use due to dopamine feedback mechanisms?

Difficulty in breaking away from devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of Internet addiction identified by Jerald Block does NOT correspond with typical addictive behaviors in other contexts?

Seeking out novelty without return on investment. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of revenge porn, which of the following statements best captures the nature of its criminalization?

It has been criminalized in several jurisdictions for its malicious intent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT identified as contributing to Internet addiction?

Access to educational resources. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Ann's action deemed not strictly wrong in the Kantian Analysis?

She provided clear information without forcing others. Signup and view all the answers

What was identified as a broader consequence of allowing all employees to solicit donations via email according to Rule Utilitarian Analysis?

Serious declines in morale and employee satisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

What was the identified total profit from the cookie sales according to the Act Utilitarian Analysis?

$108 Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical analysis suggested that Ann should have engaged her daughter in the cookie selling effort?

Virtue Ethics Analysis Signup and view all the answers

What important characteristic of the Internet is described as contributing to its immense popularity?

Networked hypertext system. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social media was notably highlighted concerning political activism in the analysis?

Social media acted as a primary organizing tool. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical perspective concluded that Ann's action was wrong due to potential widespread negative consequences?

Rule Utilitarian Analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which organization was indicated as having played a role in manipulating social media narratives during the U.S. elections?

Internet Research Agency Signup and view all the answers

In the context of mobile app usage, what trend has been observed regarding Internet access?

Mobile applications are replacing web browsers as the primary access point. Signup and view all the answers

What did the analysis suggest regarding Ann's approach to advertising her daughter's cookie sales?

Posting a sign-up sheet would be less intrusive and more effective. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with social media's role in news dissemination?

It perpetuates ideological echo chambers. Signup and view all the answers

What factor has significantly contributed to the decline of traditional newspapers?

Shifts in advertising towards mobile devices. Signup and view all the answers

What defines direct censorship as described in the content?

Government control and approval of all media content before release. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a restriction on freedom of expression for public good?

Banning cigarette advertisements on television and radio. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the printing press play in historical contexts of censorship?

It dismantled the monopoly of government and religious institutions over information dissemination. Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective did John Stuart Mill advocate regarding censorship?

No opinion can be deemed infallible, hence all should be heard. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common form of censorship within organizations?

Self-censorship driven by fears of repercussions. Signup and view all the answers

Which country is noted for having a sophisticated Internet filtering system?

China, which implements strict access controls during unrest. Signup and view all the answers

What balance must be maintained concerning the 1st Amendment rights?

Individual rights versus collective societal norms for the common good. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main conclusions from the Kantian analysis of Kate's actions regarding the photo of Jerry?

Kate's action was wrong because it used Jerry as a means to an end. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Supreme Court's ruling on the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and its relation to the First Amendment?

CIPA did not violate First Amendment guarantees. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Act Utilitarian analysis perceive Kate's actions in posting Jerry's photo?

The short-term popularity increase for both led to a conclusion of good. Signup and view all the answers

What significant ethical concern arose from the Rule Utilitarian analysis regarding widespread photo-sharing by individuals?

It could lead to lasting damage to friendships and personal privacy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Jerry’s expectation at the birthday party regarding the photo taken by Kate?

He reasonably expected privacy due to the setting of the gathering. Signup and view all the answers

What was identified as a significant risk related to sexting among teens according to the content?

Only a small percentage of teens engage in more severe sexting. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common method used by identity thieves to gain access to personal information?

Phishing via deceptive emails to manipulate recipients. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical perspective suggests that freedom of conscience should be prioritized over restrictions in the context of CIPA?

Social Contract Theory. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ethical analysis suggest about the virtue ethics perspective concerning Kate's blog post about Jerry?

Kate lacked reciprocity and put her interests above those of Jerry. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary legal response to online predators according to the content?

Police sting operations aim to catch predators online. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Networked Communications

Internet and cellular networks are essential for modern life.
Benefits include conducting business, staying connected with loved ones, and entertainment options.
Harms consist of scams, bullying, harassment, and potential threats to democratic institutions.

Spam

Spam is unsolicited bulk email, marked by significant profitability.
Sending ads to one million addresses costs $10, making it over 30,000 times cheaper than traditional junk mail.
Spam traffic rose dramatically from 9% of email in 2002 to 85% by 2009, now around 57%.
Companies gather email addresses via websites, chat rooms, and contests, while bot herders manage large botnets for spam distribution.
Despite spam filters, the economic impact of spam is estimated in tens of billions of dollars lost in productivity.

Socio-Technical Solutions

New technologies can lead to new social dynamics, as seen with spam where low costs drive increased volume of messages.
The Internet’s design encourages one-way communication, complicating spam management.

Case Study: Ann the Acme Accountant

Ann sent an email about a Girl Scout cookie sale, leading to mixed reactions from employees.
Analyses of her actions varied:
- Kantian: No misrepresentation, but opt-in would have been better.
- Act Utilitarian: Benefits (earnings for scouts) outweighed minor harms (time lost).
- Rule Utilitarian: Predicted company-wide solicitation would lower morale and yield more harm.
- Social Contract: No company policy against her email use; acted within rights.
- Virtue Ethics: Showed honesty but lacked fairness and respect towards coworkers.

Internet Interactions

The World Wide Web is decentralized with every object having a unique URL.
Increasing use of mobile devices has shifted access from browsers to mobile apps.
The Internet is used for various activities, including purchasing, socializing, and learning.

Impact of Text Messaging

M-PESA in Kenya illustrates how mobile tech enables savings, bill payments, and fund transfers.
text messaging has reshaped political activism and communication, notably during events like the Arab Spring.

Political Influence of Online Media

Social media platforms play a significant role in political activism and misinformation campaigns.
Russian interference in U.S. elections raised concerns about the influence of social media on democracy.

Censorship

Censorship aims to regulate harmful or offensive content, traditionally by governments.
Direct and self-censorship both play roles, with the Internet’s vastness challenging regulation.
Governments like China and North Korea exemplify extreme censorship practices.

Freedom of Expression

Historical evolution led to significant protections under the First Amendment.
These rights are not absolute and must be balanced against public good.
Court cases illustrate tensions between censorship and freedom of speech.

Internet Ethics and Privacy

Several ethical evaluations, including Kantian and Utilitarian, analyze actions online with respect to privacy and autonomy.
Issues like sexting highlight ongoing conversations about appropriate content and online behavior.

Cybercrime

Identity theft is a prevalent crime, especially online, with various methods used by thieves.
Instances of cyberbullying and revenge porn point to the darker side of online interactions.
Police techniques in tackling online predation raise ethical questions about method versus motive.

Internet Addiction

There is ongoing debate about whether internet addiction qualifies as a mental disorder.
Symptoms identified include excessive use, withdrawal, and resultant negative social consequences.
Governments like South Korea and China have introduced regulations to manage excessive gaming in minors.### Internet Addiction and Its Consequences
In 2005, a South Korean man died after playing video games for nearly 50 hours continuously, highlighting severe cases of gaming addiction.

Contributing Factors to Addiction

Social Factors: Peer groups heavily influence individuals, potentially fostering addictive behaviors.
Situational Factors:
- Stress plays a significant role in developing dependencies.
- Lack of social support and intimacy can lead to isolation and increased addiction risk.
- Limited opportunities for productive activities can result in individuals seeking solace through addictive behaviors.
Individual Factors:
- Those with a propensity for excess may engage more deeply in addictive activities.
- A lack of personal achievement can drive individuals toward escapism through addiction.
- Fear of failure can also contribute to continued engagement in addictive behaviors.

Ethical Evaluation

Enlightenment View:
- Perspectives from Kantianism and utilitarianism assert that individuals hold the power and responsibility to govern their lives and make choices consciously.
Jeffrey Reiman's View:
- Suggests that the behavior of addicts can be understood in the context of hopelessness, arguing that society has a role in creating environments that foster such despair.

Advances in internet and cellular technology have transformed communication, enabling unprecedented social interaction, business opportunities, and political organization.
This vast digital landscape mirrors both the best and worst aspects of humanity, presenting new opportunities for exploitation and addiction.
Social media has emerged as a crucial platform for news dissemination, while also potentially increasing political polarization among users.

Governmental Response

Governments face challenges in deciding how to intervene regarding internet content control and tackling issues like internet addiction while balancing freedom of information.

Networked Communications

Internet and cellular networks are essential for modern life.
Benefits include conducting business, staying connected with loved ones, and entertainment options.
Harms consist of scams, bullying, harassment, and potential threats to democratic institutions.

Spam

Spam is unsolicited bulk email, marked by significant profitability.
Sending ads to one million addresses costs $10, making it over 30,000 times cheaper than traditional junk mail.
Spam traffic rose dramatically from 9% of email in 2002 to 85% by 2009, now around 57%.
Companies gather email addresses via websites, chat rooms, and contests, while bot herders manage large botnets for spam distribution.
Despite spam filters, the economic impact of spam is estimated in tens of billions of dollars lost in productivity.

Socio-Technical Solutions

New technologies can lead to new social dynamics, as seen with spam where low costs drive increased volume of messages.
The Internet’s design encourages one-way communication, complicating spam management.

Case Study: Ann the Acme Accountant

Ann sent an email about a Girl Scout cookie sale, leading to mixed reactions from employees.
Analyses of her actions varied:
- Kantian: No misrepresentation, but opt-in would have been better.
- Act Utilitarian: Benefits (earnings for scouts) outweighed minor harms (time lost).
- Rule Utilitarian: Predicted company-wide solicitation would lower morale and yield more harm.
- Social Contract: No company policy against her email use; acted within rights.
- Virtue Ethics: Showed honesty but lacked fairness and respect towards coworkers.

Internet Interactions

The World Wide Web is decentralized with every object having a unique URL.
Increasing use of mobile devices has shifted access from browsers to mobile apps.
The Internet is used for various activities, including purchasing, socializing, and learning.

Impact of Text Messaging

M-PESA in Kenya illustrates how mobile tech enables savings, bill payments, and fund transfers.
text messaging has reshaped political activism and communication, notably during events like the Arab Spring.

Political Influence of Online Media

Social media platforms play a significant role in political activism and misinformation campaigns.
Russian interference in U.S. elections raised concerns about the influence of social media on democracy.

Censorship

Censorship aims to regulate harmful or offensive content, traditionally by governments.
Direct and self-censorship both play roles, with the Internet’s vastness challenging regulation.
Governments like China and North Korea exemplify extreme censorship practices.

Freedom of Expression

Historical evolution led to significant protections under the First Amendment.
These rights are not absolute and must be balanced against public good.
Court cases illustrate tensions between censorship and freedom of speech.

Internet Ethics and Privacy

Several ethical evaluations, including Kantian and Utilitarian, analyze actions online with respect to privacy and autonomy.
Issues like sexting highlight ongoing conversations about appropriate content and online behavior.

Cybercrime

Identity theft is a prevalent crime, especially online, with various methods used by thieves.
Instances of cyberbullying and revenge porn point to the darker side of online interactions.
Police techniques in tackling online predation raise ethical questions about method versus motive.

Internet Addiction

There is ongoing debate about whether internet addiction qualifies as a mental disorder.
Symptoms identified include excessive use, withdrawal, and resultant negative social consequences.
Governments like South Korea and China have introduced regulations to manage excessive gaming in minors.### Internet Addiction and Its Consequences
In 2005, a South Korean man died after playing video games for nearly 50 hours continuously, highlighting severe cases of gaming addiction.

Contributing Factors to Addiction

Social Factors: Peer groups heavily influence individuals, potentially fostering addictive behaviors.
Situational Factors:
- Stress plays a significant role in developing dependencies.
- Lack of social support and intimacy can lead to isolation and increased addiction risk.
- Limited opportunities for productive activities can result in individuals seeking solace through addictive behaviors.
Individual Factors:
- Those with a propensity for excess may engage more deeply in addictive activities.
- A lack of personal achievement can drive individuals toward escapism through addiction.
- Fear of failure can also contribute to continued engagement in addictive behaviors.

Ethical Evaluation

Enlightenment View:
- Perspectives from Kantianism and utilitarianism assert that individuals hold the power and responsibility to govern their lives and make choices consciously.
Jeffrey Reiman's View:
- Suggests that the behavior of addicts can be understood in the context of hopelessness, arguing that society has a role in creating environments that foster such despair.

Advances in internet and cellular technology have transformed communication, enabling unprecedented social interaction, business opportunities, and political organization.
This vast digital landscape mirrors both the best and worst aspects of humanity, presenting new opportunities for exploitation and addiction.
Social media has emerged as a crucial platform for news dissemination, while also potentially increasing political polarization among users.

Governmental Response

Governments face challenges in deciding how to intervene regarding internet content control and tackling issues like internet addiction while balancing freedom of information.

Networked Communications

Internet and cellular networks are essential for modern life.
Benefits include conducting business, staying connected with loved ones, and entertainment options.
Harms consist of scams, bullying, harassment, and potential threats to democratic institutions.

Spam

Spam is unsolicited bulk email, marked by significant profitability.
Sending ads to one million addresses costs $10, making it over 30,000 times cheaper than traditional junk mail.
Spam traffic rose dramatically from 9% of email in 2002 to 85% by 2009, now around 57%.
Companies gather email addresses via websites, chat rooms, and contests, while bot herders manage large botnets for spam distribution.
Despite spam filters, the economic impact of spam is estimated in tens of billions of dollars lost in productivity.

Socio-Technical Solutions

New technologies can lead to new social dynamics, as seen with spam where low costs drive increased volume of messages.
The Internet’s design encourages one-way communication, complicating spam management.

Case Study: Ann the Acme Accountant

Ann sent an email about a Girl Scout cookie sale, leading to mixed reactions from employees.
Analyses of her actions varied:
- Kantian: No misrepresentation, but opt-in would have been better.
- Act Utilitarian: Benefits (earnings for scouts) outweighed minor harms (time lost).
- Rule Utilitarian: Predicted company-wide solicitation would lower morale and yield more harm.
- Social Contract: No company policy against her email use; acted within rights.
- Virtue Ethics: Showed honesty but lacked fairness and respect towards coworkers.

Internet Interactions

The World Wide Web is decentralized with every object having a unique URL.
Increasing use of mobile devices has shifted access from browsers to mobile apps.
The Internet is used for various activities, including purchasing, socializing, and learning.

Impact of Text Messaging

M-PESA in Kenya illustrates how mobile tech enables savings, bill payments, and fund transfers.
text messaging has reshaped political activism and communication, notably during events like the Arab Spring.

Political Influence of Online Media

Social media platforms play a significant role in political activism and misinformation campaigns.
Russian interference in U.S. elections raised concerns about the influence of social media on democracy.

Censorship

Censorship aims to regulate harmful or offensive content, traditionally by governments.
Direct and self-censorship both play roles, with the Internet’s vastness challenging regulation.
Governments like China and North Korea exemplify extreme censorship practices.

Freedom of Expression

Historical evolution led to significant protections under the First Amendment.
These rights are not absolute and must be balanced against public good.
Court cases illustrate tensions between censorship and freedom of speech.

Internet Ethics and Privacy

Several ethical evaluations, including Kantian and Utilitarian, analyze actions online with respect to privacy and autonomy.
Issues like sexting highlight ongoing conversations about appropriate content and online behavior.

Cybercrime

Identity theft is a prevalent crime, especially online, with various methods used by thieves.
Instances of cyberbullying and revenge porn point to the darker side of online interactions.
Police techniques in tackling online predation raise ethical questions about method versus motive.

Internet Addiction

There is ongoing debate about whether internet addiction qualifies as a mental disorder.
Symptoms identified include excessive use, withdrawal, and resultant negative social consequences.
Governments like South Korea and China have introduced regulations to manage excessive gaming in minors.### Internet Addiction and Its Consequences
In 2005, a South Korean man died after playing video games for nearly 50 hours continuously, highlighting severe cases of gaming addiction.

Contributing Factors to Addiction

Social Factors: Peer groups heavily influence individuals, potentially fostering addictive behaviors.
Situational Factors:
- Stress plays a significant role in developing dependencies.
- Lack of social support and intimacy can lead to isolation and increased addiction risk.
- Limited opportunities for productive activities can result in individuals seeking solace through addictive behaviors.
Individual Factors:
- Those with a propensity for excess may engage more deeply in addictive activities.
- A lack of personal achievement can drive individuals toward escapism through addiction.
- Fear of failure can also contribute to continued engagement in addictive behaviors.

Ethical Evaluation

Enlightenment View:
- Perspectives from Kantianism and utilitarianism assert that individuals hold the power and responsibility to govern their lives and make choices consciously.
Jeffrey Reiman's View:
- Suggests that the behavior of addicts can be understood in the context of hopelessness, arguing that society has a role in creating environments that foster such despair.

Advances in internet and cellular technology have transformed communication, enabling unprecedented social interaction, business opportunities, and political organization.
This vast digital landscape mirrors both the best and worst aspects of humanity, presenting new opportunities for exploitation and addiction.
Social media has emerged as a crucial platform for news dissemination, while also potentially increasing political polarization among users.

Governmental Response

Governments face challenges in deciding how to intervene regarding internet content control and tackling issues like internet addiction while balancing freedom of information.

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Description

Explore the vital role of networked communications in our daily lives, including the benefits of internet and cellular networks for business, connections, and entertainment. This quiz addresses the risks such as scams and bullying. Understand the implications of our interconnected world.