Spyware comes in many different forms and includes many functions. It can easily be downloaded into a computer or smartphone, and most of the applications are very user-friendly.
When thinking of a spy, the image of this undercover, secretive agent from a movie pop into our heads, and it usually doesn’t turn out well for the spy, with many trials along the way. Likewise, spy apps could also cause the same difficulties for their users when care isn’t taken into consideration.
Spy apps gather information from a person’s smartphone or computer, and the person that installed this software would have access to all the details collected. Having this kind of access begs the question: ‘How ethical would this be?’ and many more. Listed here are some of the pros and cons of spy apps:
Check Up On Kids
Parents would do anything to keep their children safe. Installing spy apps may seem like a digital solution for phones and tablets. To make an informed decision, read through the pros and cons of doing this:
Pros
# Parents would know where to find them when needed. Children may find themselves in situations that they are unequipped to handle, and knowing where to find them could help a parent intervene.
# Spot digital predators before they harm your children by using apps to spy on Whatsapp users. This application would really help in monitoring strangers that might be stalking your children.
# Having a time limit on screen time could assist parents and children with time management and control on the content that the children might have access to at any given time.
# Monitor their activities inside or outside the home, ensuring peace of mind.
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Cons
# Some of the information found on the children’s devices could come as a shock, especially when parents aren’t expecting it (something like ‘I Hate My Mom’ texts).
# Trust between you and your child could be broken. These activities could potentially harm your relationship, especially when teenagers are involved. They still have the right to privacy, and monitoring from afar could be the best option. Only step in when you think that harm can be done to your children or others.
# Having a cut-off timer on the devices could curb the screentime, but it may also prevent children from getting hold of their parents during a crisis.
Tracking Someone’s Activity
Tracking someone could sound like fun, knowing where they go and what they do, but this may cause a whole set of problems if done for the wrong reasons.
Pros
# Know where loved ones are, primarily when they work away from home and travel extensively. Tracking can be done through GPS or a SIM card location service.
# Protect yourself against cheaters by seeing where the person is going and how much time they spend with the other person.
# The protection of the elderly could be another good way of using spy apps. Ensure that they are safe, especially when still living on their own.
# Employers may choose to track the activities of team members while they are working remotely. The knowledge that they may be monitored could motivate their performance to know that there is always someone available to help.
# Spy apps could be used as an effective clock in system for team members of a company.
Cons
# Being at ease knowing that loved ones are safe could be a priority for one person, but another may feel that they are being monitored each step of their day. Discuss the use of the software together before installing it.
# Monitoring others may become an unhealthy obsession, taking over daily activities to the point where work duties and other responsibilities are affected.
# The elderly might not have their phones with them at all times. Some don’t even own a smart device. They may also feel that they are not trusted to take care of themselves and oftentimes people at this age could be against anything that’s technology related.
# Monitoring personal devices is not legal. Before monitoring your team members or employers you should check first the laws regarding privacy of information in the local area stipulates to prevent legal impediments in the future.
Find Lost Devices
One of the most common applications for spy software could be finding lost devices. With so many devices to keep track of, it may be easy to misplace one of them. This fact rings true for children who might leave their devices at a friend’s house or stash them under the sofa by accident.
Pros
# Quickly find the devices wherever they may be located.
# Track a stolen phone to assist police in recovering it.
Cons
# Some spy apps require the person to log on from their laptop. Not having immediate access to the computer could delay finding the device.
# Thieves may be clever enough to turn off the GPS service or the phone in its entirety before it can be tracked.
Building Up The Evidence
It may seem as if there are more pros than cons for having spy apps, but the cons may have a far more significant impact than the pros. When weighing up the options, it should be carefully considered before using the software. Using the spyware with the best intentions while everyone is aware of their installation would seem to be the safest way to channel your inner spy.
