Searching and browsing is how we all navigate online, and, as evidenced by research by the Pew Internet & American Life Project shown in Table 12-1, it has become a critically important way for us to get the information we need.
However, there are millions of Web sites online. While a large percentage of these sites might be excellent resources, there is no universal quality assurance guarantee. You must rely on your trust of the Web site owner and the strength of your technology tools (content filters; anti-phishing, antivirus, and anti-spyware programs; pop-up blockers; and so on) for your safety. (Refer to the "Technology Toolkit" section in Part Four for more information on available tools.) Usually, when we browse, we end up at the site we intended to go to, see the content we expect, and interact with legitimate businesses and well-intentioned people. However, the hazard of browsing is that you or your child might land on a site that has inappropriate content, be redirected to an inappropriate site, or provide personal information on a site that will misuse it. It is also possible that you will unknowingly down-load spyware, malware, or computer viruses while browsing a less reputable site.
What kind of browsing practices can have these results? In a survey of kids and online pornography conducted by Family Safe Media (www.familysafemedia.com), kids encountered offensive images most often
Consider that there are estimated to be 4.2 million pornographic Web sites out there, and they all want you to visit them. In fact, some pornographers actually use children's favorite cartoon character names on their sites specifically so that children will find their sites in online searches. Adults are no less at risk for seeing content they find undesirable, though they are usually less shocked and distressed by what they see or read. Given their life experiences, adults are more likely than children to simply ignore inappropriate content and move on. Find Out More Landing on sites that contain inappropriate material isn't the only browsing hazard. Both adults and children are often tricked into believing they are on a legitimate site and enter information that leaves them open to identity theft attacks. See Chapter 14, "Step 11: Get Savvy About Financial Scams and Fraud," for more information about Web sites that are designed to deceive. |