How Privacy Issues on the Internet Impact Individual Lives: A Report

This report delves into the critical issue of internet privacy and its impact on individuals. It begins by establishing the importance of the internet in modern life, highlighting its role in communication, information access, online banking, and shopping. The report then explores various privacy issues, including spying, snooping, and information mishandling, detailing how these issues can affect individuals. It examines the research aims and objectives, research questions, and the methodologies used, including the application of a Gantt chart for project management. The literature review summarizes key findings from various sources, emphasizing the importance of online privacy. The report also reflects on the researcher's experience, skill development, and challenges faced during the research process, concluding with recommendations for future research. It provides a comprehensive overview of the threats to individual privacy in the digital age and the importance of safeguarding personal information online.

How Privacy Issues on
the Internet Impact
Individual Lives

Table of Contents
PART 1- The Reflective Individual Report.....................................................................................1
1: Finding of research topic.............................................................................................................1
Chosen Research topic...........................................................................................................1
Rationale for chosen Topic.....................................................................................................1
Research aims and objectives.................................................................................................1
Research questions.................................................................................................................1
Specific techniques and strategies along with library search tools........................................2
2: Professional Activities................................................................................................................2
Research tasks and schedule...................................................................................................2
Independent researcher role and management of time...........................................................4
Challenges faced and their overcome.....................................................................................4
Development of skill..............................................................................................................5
3: Literature Review........................................................................................................................5
Introduction of Literature Review..........................................................................................5
Main Body..............................................................................................................................5
Resources and techniques used..............................................................................................8
Feasibility of chosen method..................................................................................................8
4: Reflection of Research Project....................................................................................................8
Key achievements during this research..................................................................................8
Experience as a researcher and expertise gained....................................................................9
Recommended changes for future research work..................................................................9
Recommendations..................................................................................................................9

PART 2 - Presentation of research.................................................................................................10
Covered in poster..................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

PART 1- The Reflective Individual Report
1: Finding of research topic
Chosen Research topic
The topic selected for current research work is: Impact of privacy issues of internet on an
individual.
Rationale for chosen Topic
The main reason and purpose behind selection of current research topic is associated with
increase in the use of internet by individual that has lead to many issues and problem. Use of
internet lead to many advantages and benefits for an individual but at the same time many risk
and issues are also associated with this. Thus, selection of current research topic is rationale as it
lead better information about the privacy Issues on the Internet along with its Impact Individual
Lives. Further, the current investigation and research work would also lead to betterment in
interpersonal and managerial skills of researcher along with meeting the educational and
academic purpose thus, the current research work is fully rationale and justifiable from both
personal and professional view point of researcher.
Research aims and objectives
Research Aim
The main aim of current research work is, “To Investigate How Privacy Issues on the
Internet Impact Individual Lives”.
Research Objectives
The main purpose and objective of current research work are stated as follows:
 To evaluate the importance associated with use of internet for individuals.
 To investigate about the various privacy issues on the internet along with its impact in
individuals lives (Caron and et. al., 2016).
 To determine the various ways and strategies that can be adopted by an individual’s to
encounter the privacy issues of internet.
Research questions
The research questions and main issues addressed and evaluated by current research
project are as follows:
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 What is the importance associated with use of internet for individuals?
 What are the various privacy issues on the internet along and how it impact on
individuals lives?
 What are the various ways and strategies that can be adopted by an individual’s to
encounter the privacy issues of internet?
Specific techniques and strategies along with library search tools
It has been decided in context of current research that use of evaluation of secondary data
would be made that consists of a literature review and collection of qualitative data from
secondary sources only. Thus, the strategies and techniques that are associated with current
investigation mainly consist of use of interpretivism philosophy along with inductive research
approach as they yield better support and facilitate ease for collection and evaluation of
qualitative data (Agosto and Abbas, 2017). The current research project is based on secondary
source of data thus, it become vital to assess and collected information from library search tools.
The specific library search tools for current investigation would include the use of
various authentic search Engines like Google scholar and useful Links from trusted web sites. It
has been recommended and discussed with the supervisor that to get better information about the
chosen topic and meet its objective it become necessary to assess information outside the a
particular or specific discipline and look at for better and more authentic and reliable sources of
data collection (Reed, 2018). Thus, use of online articles and scholarly journals along with
trusted websites seems most suitable as library search tools for current investigation.
2: Professional Activities
Research tasks and schedule
Conducting a researcher work is a quite complex and vital process that consist of many
task and activities. Thus, to bring clarity and more efficiency in current research work and
investigation use of a statistical tool is made i.e. Gantt chart to ensure timely completion of
research in a more effective and better way.
Gantt chart
It is vital project management tool that is used by a researcher or manager to
schematically define all activities and also lead to a more practical and scientific presentation of
research task (Venkatesh, 2016). Gantt chart is basically a horizontal bar chart that presents all
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research activities in a proper sequence along with their timelines and estimated duration. Thus,
use of Gantt chart is vital for a researcher project is it reduces the chances of overlapping of work
and lead to more clarity and transparency in work that ensures reduction in wastage of time and
resources so that the desired objectives can be achieved on time with more efficiency and
viability.
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Independent researcher role and management of time
As an independent researcher it become more vital and essential to keep and manage all
activities in a more effective way and fulfil all the responsibilities and work on time and in an
efficient manner (Wiegard and Breitner, 2019). As an independent researcher it become essential
to familiarize with the all requirements of investigation and developing a good understanding
about the selected research topic along with creating a proper schedule in order to avoid getting
off track during the course of investigation. Thus, to accomplish all the task and activities in an
efficient manner and without any delay and overlapping of work use of Gantt chart is made as it
ensure better management of time and other activities to accomplish an independent research in a
better way.
Challenges faced and their overcome
During a research work the biggest challenge that is encounter by a researcher is
associated with management of time and achieved desired objectives in a given time span. Thus,
to encounter this issues proper schedule had been made and use of Gantt chart is also made by
researcher to ensure timely completion of investigation and accomplish desired goals. Further
collection of aesthetic data in an ethical way and proper way is also an issues associated with
research work thus, to overcome this issues all the code f conduct and researcher principles are
meet to accomplish current investigation in an ethical and viable way. Further, to collect most
authentic and reliable data, information is only taken from scholarly articles and authorised links
and websites that lead to Quick and straightforward data relayed with research topic and also an
excellent way for finding popular materials and information to meet set objectives of
investigation.
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Development of skill
The current research work is crucial and vital for researcher that ensures better
development of skills. It would lead to better time management and other managerial skills
through enhancing work experience and knowledge about practical use of Gantt chart and other
tool. Further, communication skills and overall knowledge of investigator is also improved as get
access to various online channels and relevant information.
3: Literature Review
Introduction of Literature Review
It is most vital part of a researcher work that yield a mind map and better understanding
about the selected topic trough leading evaluation and analysis of various scholarly articles and
secondary data associated with current research topic and its objective that lead to a base and
framework for overall investigation and lead to achievement of objectives in a better way
(Bellamy, 2017). In case of current investigation it has been decided to review and survey
various authentic article and online journals that are available on various sites and Google
scholars. A description and brief summary of various articles and journal evaluated on current
research topic and its objectives is provided below:
Main Body
To evaluate the importance associated with use of internet for individuals
As per the opinion of Vivian Falae, 2018, internet plays a vital and most crucial role in
lives of individuals in modern society that cannot be understated. Internet is used by an
individual for various purposes like communication, online banking, Information, knowledge,
and learning, enhanced connectivity, communication and sharing of information along with
better entertainment platforms. Thus, it can be evaluated that in today’s world interact is very
important and many advantages are associated with use of internet for individuals that consists of
enhanced online services like banking, shopping along with better and more convenient ways of
learning and entertainment. The main importance associated with use of internet for individuals
are evaluated as follows:
Effective communication- The biggest advantages of internet is that it lead to reduction
in barriers of physical distance and provide an enhanced and more effective connection and
communication with other across the whole globe. It could be evaluated that faster
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communication is lead through the use of Internet with the help of digital platforms like social
media, SKYPE, etc that allows holding video conference and connection with anyone in the
world. Thus, use of internet is important for individuals as it keep families and friends in touch in
a more easily and convenient way.
Abundant Information, knowledge, and learning- Internet is a source of endless
information and knowledge for an individuals who can getter and assess better learning channels
and educational programmes through use of internet. Tons of resources and information can be
found on internet through use of search engine in minutes and most cost effective and time
effective way. Thus, it could be evaluated that individuals can get and gain readily available
teaching facility and learning in a worldwide classroom in most effective manner through use of
internet(Bennett and Raab, 2017).
Online banking and shopping facility- Use of internet also lead to more convenient and
easy online banking and shopping facility for individuals that provide 24/7 hours services
directly at their home. Use of Internet provides better access to individual to their bank account
to view the current balance, make online transaction, send money and other facility like payment
of bills electronically. Further, online shopping is yet an another important advantage of making
use of internet by individuals that lead to enhance ability to find products on interest and buy
them without having to visit to a store and can also compare prises of various products (Pagallo,
Durante and Monteleone, 2017). Thus, it can be evaluated that use of internet is important and
beneficial for individuals as it provide better facilities like online banking and shopping.
To investigate about the various privacy issues on the internet along with its impact in
individuals lives.
According to the view point of James Freeman, 2020, internet is the fastest way that can
be used by an individual to connect with the world but still it is not so safe to use internet as
many scams, gambles and security risk is associated with this that could be faced by an
individual during making use of internet. An evaluation of these issues and privacy risk
associated with use of internet and its impact in individual is provided below:
Spying and Snooping- It is the biggest privacy issues on internet as it is vast network used
by crores of peoples thus, when individuals are online they could be easily spied and tracked by
other that is biggest issue for their privacy. With the help of internet the trackers can keep a
check and monitor the interest and activities of an individual that lead a breach of online privacy.
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Thus, it could be evaluated that use of internet lead to privacy issue through spying and snooping
in personal activities and information of an individual that can be by cybercriminals to carry and
misuse this information for unauthorized and illegal activities that risk the privacy and online
existence of an individual (Lomotey, Pry and Chai, 2018).
Information Mishandling- The another privacy issue related with use of internet consists
the fact that there are various sites and links on internet that require personal information of an
individuals and these sites also use cookies and save personal information of people for future
use. Thus, it enhance the chances of mishandling and hacking of personal information as these
sites does not uses proper encryption and security measures (Hallam and Zanella, 2017). Thus, it
can be evaluated that mishandling and hacking of crucial information regarding e-banking
transaction or online payment is the biggest risk and privacy issue associated with the use of
internet.
On the basis of above discussion it can be evaluated that use of internet lead to many
privacy issues like snooping and spying of data along with mishandling and hacking of
information that lead to a negative impact on individuals as it lead to leakage of crucial
information of people that can be risky and harmful for an individual.
To determine the various ways and strategies that can be adopted by an individual’s to
encounter the privacy issues of internet
As per the opinion of Susan Alexandra, 2019, making use of internet lead to many
privacy risk and issues but still use if internet is vital and important for individuals thus, it is
necessary to adopt and implement various ways and strategies to encounter and overcome these
privacy issues. The steps and ways strategies that can be adopted by an individual’s to encounter
the privacy issues of internet to avoid being victim of privacy issue of internet are evaluated
below:
Use a VPN- It is most suitable way to protect the privacy of an individual on the internet
as it provide an encrypted tunnel. Use of VPN ensures that the personal information of
individuals get transferred only between the individual and its host sites and thus, leaves to scope
and chances for trackers to snoop or spy on personal information and activity of an individual.
Further, it also lead to an anonymous IP address and helps individuals to disguise and hide their
actual indentify thus, safeguard them from hacking and snooping.
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Use antivirus and Firewalls- Adopting and using a string password and anti-virus is a best
way to get rid of privacy issues while making use of internet. A strong antivirus and firewall is
helpful in keeping the device of an individuals free and safe from all malware and harmful virus
like spyware, viruses, Trojans, etc. Thus, it can be evaluated that having a strong password along
with properly updated and efficient antivirus and firewalls is an effective way and strategy that
can be adopted by an individual to encounter privacy and hacking issue on internet (Obernolte,
Hauk and Aumann, 2019).
Thus, on the basis of above discussion it can be evaluated that the ways and strategies
that could be adopted by an individual to encounter the privacy issues of internet consist of use
of VPN network that stop snooping and spying from other person. Use of anti-virus and firewalls
are also suitable way to encounter privacy issue as it safeguards device of an individuals from all
malware and virus along with risk of hacking and mishandling of information.
Resources and techniques used
The resources and techniques used for collection of data for current investigation consists
of use of secondary sources that includes online articles and journals assess and reached with the
help of Search Engines and Links from trusted web sites.
Feasibility of chosen method
The method of collecting data from secondary sources that consist of online articles and
journals available on Search Engines and Links from trusted web sites is feasible and suitable for
current investigation as it provide reach to all relevant information associated with current
research work in a quick and straightforward manner and also lade to easy and cost and time
effective reach to excellent findings and information.
4: Reflection of Research Project
Key achievements during this research
The key achievements of this research project includes better information about the impact
on internet on individuals. It has been find out by me with the help of this research that internet
lead to many advantages for an individual that consist of better communication, abundant
information and knowledge along with various online facilities like e-commerce and online
banking services. Thus, evaluation of importance of internet for an individual is a key
achievement of this researcher. Further, various privacy issues that are associated with internet
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and creating negative impact on safety of personal information of individuals are also evaluated
that consists of spying and snooping of online activity and information along with issues of
mishandling and hacking of crucial information. Finally the most vital achievement and key
factor evaluated by this investigation consists of ways that can be adopted by an individual to
encounter privacy issue on internet that consists use of VPN and strong antivirus and firewall
network.
Experience as a researcher and expertise gained
The whole journey and experience of this research work is very informative and vital for me
that leads to enhancement in my overall skills and expertise. First of all my information and
communication skills got improved as I got better information about uses and risk associated
with internet and get access to various online channels and sites. Further, my time mangemt and
managerial skills are also got enhanced as I learnt to get manage all my work on time and
furthers use of Gantt chart also enhanced by work efficiency and practical skills to have
enhanced and more better time management. Thus, overall current research work is vital for me
from both personal and professional view point as it lead to enhanced work experience and
expertise in me along with development of my communication and other managerial and
interpersonal skills.
Recommended changes for future research work
The current research work is viable to meet the its objective but some canes could be
made by me in my research strategy for my further or any future resrch work that would includes
the use of both primary and secondary sources of information. As primary data lead to more
authentic and first hand data to reach and draw better understanding about a research topic and
also enhanced the viability and success level of a researcher work.
Recommendations
On the basis of above researcher work it could be recommended that an individuals must
make use of VPN network and also adopt and implement strong and updated antivirus and
firewalls in order to encounter the issue of having and spying while making use of internet. Use
of VPN network provide safety from spying and spooning through stopping transfer and assess
of data by any unknown third party where as antivirus protect device of an individuals from
malware and virus thus, reduce the chances of hacking and other privacy issues.
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