Not all is golden in cyberspace. Here are three downsides to the world wide web.
1. Once something is posted it is almost impossible to erase.
Yes, it can be pulled from the site, but the information remains accessible. Whether users have already printed the information, or it has hit the email circuit, there is no way to be certain the information has been deleted. Plus, many of us use network servers that automatically save information.
2. Opinions are often stated as fact.
In this age of blogs, wikis, editorials and the like, it is easy for special-interest groups and web users to tout their perspectives as unbiased news. To see how easy this is, pick a topic (I chose “organic fruit") and google it. With my topic, Organic sites posted eight of the top 10 results, while one linked to a 20/20 news segment, and the other—a blogger against organic fruit.
3. Rumors live forever.
While Procter & Gamble’s Tampax Pearl was hitting the market with an elaborate marketing campaign in 2002-2003, a message hit email circulation touting the tampon as causing yeast infections and cervical cancer. Procter & Gamble quickly dispelled the email, touting research & the safety of its product. Years later this email is still being forwarded. And while Procter & Gamble has the information posted on their website, how many people do you think actually research the emails they receive?
tweet this!