OUR PERSONAL DATA
These days it is extremely common for companies to track Internet users’ data in order to target them with personalised content or advertising. 1Somepeople feel quite comfortable with this, whereas others consider it aninvasion of privacy.
It is estimated that seven in ten Internet users are happy to give away personal data while browsing online. There may be some clear benefits to doing this. 2Although most people are careful with data such as online banking details, many actually prefer more personalised marketing and feel that their search results are likely to be more relevant if the search company better understands their needs. Another positive aspect of data tracking is that people can be automatically logged onto a site, rather than having to enter a password. 3This is clearly far more convenient, even though it is, of course, less secure.
4In spite of these potential benefits, a significant number of people are choosing to use ad-blocking software in order to avoid digital advertising altogether. In some cases, this is because they fi nd the adverts annoying but it is also because of a desire to avoid being tracked online. In most cases, this is probably harmless.
5Nevertheless, a surprising amount of information can be collected: what you have bought, where you have been, what you have ‘liked’ on social media, and a great deal more. Most people really have very little idea how much data is being given away every time they click, or what that data will be used for.
In conclusion, it seems obvious that while people remain largely unaware and unable to make informed choices, the ability of companies to collect data should be limited or they should be required to specifically ask for permission.
1. What kind of information about yourself might you be giving away?
You might be giving away information like what you buy, where you go, what you like on social media, your date of birth, your search history, and login details.
2. Make a note of some possible arguments for and against tracking Internet users’ personal data.
For:
1. More personalized search results.
2. Convenient automatic logins.
3. Relevant advertisements.
Against:
1. Invasion of privacy.
2. Risk of data misuse.
3. Annoying ads.
4. Lack of user awareness.
3. List the arguments for and against tracking online personal data from the student’s essay.
For: Personalized marketing and convenience of automatic login.
Against: Invasion of privacy, annoying ads, risk of misuse of data, and the fact that people are often unaware of how much data is collected.
4. Complete the Writing box with examples from the text:
Introduction
Summarise the topic of the essay:
1. It is extremely common for companies to track Internet users’ data in order to target them with personalised content or advertising.
Outline what you are going to discuss:
2. Some people feel quite comfortable with this, whereas others consider it an invasion of privacy.
Main body
In your first main paragraph, give arguments in favour of the situation:
There may be some clear
3. benefits to doing this
Another positive
4. aspect of data tracking is that people can be automatically logged onto a site.
In your second main paragraph, give arguments against the situation:
In spite of these
5. potential benefits, many people are choosing to use ad-blocking software.
Nevertheless, many people feel that this is annoying and an invasion of privacy.
It is
6. probably harmless in most cases, but large amounts of data are still being collected.
Conclusion
Summarise and give your opinion:
In conclusion, it seems
7. obvious that while people remain largely unaware, companies’ ability to collect data should be limited or require permission.
5. Linkers from sentences 1–5 in the text:
Conjunctions of contrast:
"whereas" — : Some people feel quite comfortable with this, whereas others consider it an invasion of privacy.
Conjunctions of concession:
"Although" — : Although most people are careful with data such as online banking details...
"Even though" — : This is clearly far more convenient, even though it is, of course, less secure.
Prepositions of contrast:
"In spite of" — : In spite of these potential benefits, a significant number of people...
Adverbs of contrast:
"Nevertheless" — : Nevertheless, a surprising amount of information can be collected...
6. Combine sentences 1–3 with sentences a–c using the words in brackets:
1. Many cookies are harmless; however, some are designed to steal private information.
2. There were several cyber attacks last year; in spite of this, most companies have not changed their security systems.
3. Good cookies make websites more user-friendly; nevertheless, it should be possible to use the sites without accepting them.
7. CRITICAL THINKING – Essay topic notes:
Essay topic:
Nowadays, young people can create a presence on social media through photos, updates, and comments. Write an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this practice.
Different perspectives you could include in your essay:
Advantages:
Young people can express themselves and be creative.
It helps them stay connected with friends and family.
Opportunities for networking and future career growth.
Can promote awareness of important causes.
Disadvantages:
Risk of oversharing and loss of privacy.
Exposure to cyberbullying or online harassment.
Social pressure to present a “perfect” life (superficial content).
Addiction and wasting time online instead of focusing on real-life activities.
