Data.... Yes or No?

Data is “ the quantities, characters, or symbols on which operations are performed by a computer (“Data,” Oxford English Dictionary). It can sever you well, if you have the knowledge to use it wisely. Conversely, if data is used without restrictions, limitations, and the proper know-hows, one can drown and sink beneath the waves of the vast quantity of data available.

                                 

Data supports people by enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the world. For instance, in nowadays, with the Internet becoming more easily accessible than ever, people commonly use data with search engine as mediums, for example Google Search. Search engines allows users to access large amount of information that broadly covers in every relatively topics in a short periods of time, through the simple action of entering the relevant keywords. Therefore accessing data through this medium has become a convenience everyone can and knows how to use.

 Beside the Internet, people can also receive information and knowledge from some visualization data such as Maps, Diagrams, Videos… etc, to enhance their understanding of the environment. Visualization is also a good way to past out the information rather than using word. Advertisements, such as poster and commercials are also ways that can effectively past the information to people. Data can take many forms and therefore also adds to the diversity of our lives. 

Data may also cause problems if used unwisely. In many instances data management are poor and without proper restriction on who can access the data. A good example of this is the abundance of adult content websites that are easily accessible by children. Therefore at this point data might also drown people to the wrong direction if people use it unwisely.

Word Cited

“Data,” Oxford English Dictionary Online. Oxford University Press. Web. 2012.

< http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/data?q=data>