Electronic Access to Information

What is Information Access?

Some of the most common websites for access to information

Influence of Electronic Access to Information

Positive Impacts

1. (Accessibility) - The development of web browsers, such as the Microsoft Explorer, Google Chrome, and Safari, have made the Internet becoming much more accessible as it emerged as a global information source. <1>
2. (Efficiency) - Applications like email, instant messaging, chat rooms, and video conferencing have changed people's communicating patterns as wells as the flow of information considerably. In other words, limits of accessing information were pushed further and further with the advancement of technology.
3. (Accuracy) - Geographical information system has greatly impact our method of communication and the way we live. Global Positioning System (GPS) can be used to locate dangerous criminals that threatens our society; GPS can be used to call for help from an emergency situation, so rescuers have access to your location accurately within seconds, GPS can be used in cars with a voice interference that provides real-time traffic and news reports. <2>
4. (Education) - Electronic access to information is changing the way we learn as wells as the process of teaching. For example, both students and teachers are able to have instant access to educational information. Through the increased use of internet broadband, It is easier for students to access academic information on time as the teacher upload learning materials like videos, slides, and documents. Also, unlike in the past where learning can only take place in the classroom, students now have access to academic information whenever they need to; the appearance of e-learning also provides more options to students in terms of flexibility of time and learning habits.

Negative Aspects

1. (Privacy) - Privacy is one of the biggest issue rising from electronic access to information. With a few clicks on the computer, anyone can find anyone's address and contact information. For those with stronger intentions, the use of phishing, viruses and hacking helps to find any information they wish to obtain. In general, people have no sense of privacy online. They don't think twice before tweeting every move they make, freely giving out their location on Google Map and putting their entire life story on Facebook.
2. (Sex Crime, Cyber Bullying) - Numbers never lie. In 82% of online sex crimes against teenagers, the sex offenders used social networking sites to get information about the victim's preferences. 25% of teenagers say they have been bullied either by text or on the Internet. Sexting is another high-risk behavior of concern, with 24% of teenagers aged 14 -17 have participated in some sort of nude sexting.<3><4>
3. (Complexity) - With the uneven quality of web resources, as well as the absence of a consistent organizational structure, locating relevant and reliable information can be difficult and time-consuming. <1>
4. (Mood Affected) - Overuse of technology can also affect a people's mood. A report from the United Kingdom revealed that kids who play computer games and use their home Internet for more than four hours differ from those who used that technology for less than an hour. One expert explained that with less physical contact, children might have difficulty developing social skills and emotional reactions. Therefore people who overuse computers, cell phones or other electronic devices are likely to lose their sense of well being than those who don't. <5>

Addressing The Negatives

1. Teach the correct use of electronic
   - Both elementary and secondary schools should include lessons teaching the appropriate use of technology for students. Teachers should talk with students about establishing their Internet footprint, and the severe consequences of putting inappropriate information into the cyberspace
   
2. Be familiar with the electronics
   - Do some research on the safety issues of the website you want to use and think considerately should you really sign up for it
   - Know what you are posting and what can be the consequences
   - As a parent, you should also do the above and keep an eye on your children to prevent them to cause trouble online
   
3. Find alternatives to these electronics
   - Go to a library and find books that you are interested to read
   - Try board games with friend rather than always going on video games
   

Questions

1. What is GPS in its full name?
2. Explain one of the negative impact of electronic access to information.
3. Then explain how would you address this issue(from the last question).

Bibliography

1. "Information Access." Computer Sciences. . Encyclopedia.com. 29 Jan. 2018<http://www.encyclopedia.com.>
2. "What is GPS." Garmin, 27 Jan. 2018 <www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/.>
3. "11 Facts about Sexting." DoSomething.org | Volunteer for Social Change,<www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-sexting.>
4. "Cyber Bullying Statistics." NoBullying - Bullying & CyberBullying Resources, 12 June 2017, 27 Jan 2018<http://nobullying.com/cyber-bullying-statistics-2014/.>
5. Paton, Graeme. "Overexposure to technology 'makes children miserable'." The Telegraph, Telegraph Media Group, 26 Oct. 2012, Jan 25, 2018 <www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/9636862/Overexposure-to-technology-makes-children-miserable.html#disqus_thread.>
6. (All Images)Giphy. "Search All the GIFs & Make Your Own Animated GIF." GIPHY, 27 Jan.2018<giphy.com/gifs.>