The scope of technology is vast and continually expanding and believed to prevent and reduce crime rates. Although it sometimes leads to cyberbullying, I agree with the view as surveillance technology tools play a pivotal role in crime prevention.
Some may argue that technology is offering the opposite of what it is actually supposed to achieve, often being responsible for cyberbullying on some social media platforms, especially Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram. In other words, cyberbullying is becoming increasingly prevalent, which poses a serious threat to society. This happens when a cyberbully engages in unethical actions, such as sharing individuals’ embarrassing photos or bullying online, which makes an injured party mentally weak and insecure. According to the survey by UNICEF, most victims of cyberbullying are the frequent users of social media platforms, which is the main reason why those victims frequently get bullied. Therefore, technology platforms can sometimes be disadvantageous to some extent.
On the other hand, surveillance technology is becoming an indispensable tool in crime prevention, with CCTV cameras being one of the most foundational elements. Widely employed in various settings, ranging from schools to even transportation hubs, these cameras play a crucial role in monitoring public places and areas with elevated levels of crime. This means that the presence of cameras itself makes criminals concerned about their illegal actions being monitored, discouraging the offenders from committing crimes. Consider the example of Latin America where high crime rates are reported. After strategically placing the CCTV cameras in a number of subways of the region, the proportion of crime has dramatically fallen. This suggests that surveilling cameras are effective in preventing illegal activities.
In conclusion, while technology has some drawbacks like cyberbullying, other aspects of technology, surveillance tools such as CCTV cameras, have proven effective in crime prevention, ensuring public safety. Therefore, I strongly agree with the view.