Jason Adleer, a software engineer, is concerned about what you are looking at on the internet.
“We live, more than ever, in a world of information—but not all of it is good or safe for us,” says Jason Adler, Software Engineer at Repocket.
We seemingly live in the Golden age of information, with every bit of information just a web click away. According to data, Google receives at least 8.5 billion daily searches.
It’s hard to understand how this can be bad, let alone deadly, but here are some topics on the Internet that can lead to serious consequences or death.
“How to Make Homemade Drugs or Explosives”
The internet is packed to the brim with dangerous DIY instructions. Looking up how to create drugs or bombs at home is one of the deadliest. The process is usually unlawful and volatile. According to a report from NBC News, making homemade bombs led to 434 incidents nationwide.
Jason Adler, from Repocket, emphasizes, “Searches like these can lead to disastrous accidents, legal consequences, or exposure to harmful substances.”
“Unverified Medical Advice or Treatments”
The web teems with unverified medical advice. Following such advice without a professional consultation can lead to severe health repercussions, inappropriate treatment, and even death. A study from the National Institutes of Health revealed that over 60% of web users seek health-related information online, often leading to misdiagnosis and harmful treatment decisions.
Adler warns, “Self-diagnosis and treatment can escalate health risks.”
“Extreme Diet or Fitness Routines”
“Miracle” diets and rigorous fitness routines are present across the internet. Unsupervised following of such plans can lead to eating disorders, malnutrition, overexertion, and, in severe cases, death. According to a report from Medical News Today, excessive dieting and fitness routines have led to a 30% increase in eating disorders.
Respecting this, Adler counsels, “Anything extreme without a balanced approach or supervision is a red flag. Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true promises”.
“Risky Challenges or Pranks”
Online challenges or pranks often involve dangerous or life-threatening acts. Participating in these trends can risk serious injury or death. A study from the National Safety Council reported that injuries from viral social media challenges have led to an estimated 100,000 hospital visits.
Adler affirms, “Most dare-based contents are unsupervised and involve high levels of risk.”
Guard Yourself: Five Ways to Browse Safely on the Web
Now that we have peeked into the dangers of the Internet, there are some ways we can make sure that the information we get on the Internet is factual and safe.
Verify the Information Source
Double-check the website, author, and organization overseeing the content before trusting its information. Look for citations from recognized institutions or testimonies from certified professionals.
This “applies not only to health or legal topics but everywhere,” warns Adler.
Be Cautious of Instant Fixes
Stay skeptical of listings that offer quick solutions for significant issues. Accurate resolutions often take time and involve guidance from professionals.
“From health to finance, shortcuts often lead to fraud or exacerbate the issue,” explains Adler.
Leave the Medicine to the Doctors
Avoid relying on the internet for medical advice. Instead, consult with a medical professional for health concerns.
“Diagnosing online can lead to misinformation and wrong treatments,” says Adler.
Use Parental Controls on Children’s Devices
Implement parental controls on your child’s devices to safeguard against harmful content.
Adler says, “This can help protect kids from adult, violent, or dangerous material.”
Keep Personal Information Private
Never share personal information, especially financial details, with unknown websites. Cybercriminals can use this data for fraud or identity theft.
Adler advises, “Being cyber-safe also means protecting your personal information.”
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