People Internet Phone Technology Worried Cell Location One's

The "advent" (creation, adoption, and use) of technology and the Internet has allowed people to communicate with each other "like never before" (in ways that were not possible in the past), but it has also brought many "threats" (things that may create problems or cause harm) and the "potential for" (possibility of) new "crimes" (instances of breaking the law).

For example, many people are worried about "cell phone spying," or the idea that corporations or government agencies might "track" (monitor; observe) cell phone use. Because people carry cell phones wherever they go, the "devices" (small machines) can be used to "pinpoint" (determine the exact location of) one's location at any time. And there is also the potential for third parties to "eavesdrop on" (listen to) private phone conversations and/or "intercept" (access something while it is being sent between two points) text messages.

Other people are worried about "cyberstalking" and "online bullying." "Cyberstalking" refers to using the Internet to "harass" (bother and annoy) individuals or groups of people. "Stalking" (following people around) may occur in the physical world, but when it occurs online, it is known as "cyberstalking." "Likewise" (similarly), "bullying" (teasing and hurting younger or weaker people, especially students) can occur at schools and in neighborhoods, but when it occurs online, it is known as "online bullying."

Many people argue that cyberstalking and online bullying are more "harmful" (with the ability to hurt people) than their "offline counterparts" (similar things occurring in the real world, not on the Internet), because they "grant" (give) "anonymity" (the ability to do things without letting other people know one's identity) to the "harassers" (people who bother or annoy other people), which encourages them to be meaner and more threatening.