Meaning of Spam: Definition, Types, Forms, and Causes

Kapanlagi.com - Perhaps some of you know that spam is one of the most annoying things. However, do you know more about the true meaning of spam? Yes, in this era of technological advancement, spam is often encountered. Usually, spam is often found in emails or short messages on your mobile phones.

Usually, spam is also done by people you know. The term spam is given when they frequently make calls and send excessive SMS. This kind of spam will certainly be very disturbing. So, many of us feel like avoiding this spam.

Well, for KLovers who want to find out more about spam, here is the meaning of spam along with its types and causes, as reported from various sources. Let's check it out, KLovers.

1. Understanding Spam

Illustration (credit: Pexels)

As previously known, spam is a very annoying activity. But what does spam actually mean? The meaning of spam is an abbreviation for Sending and Posting Advertisement in Mass. From this explanation, it means that one characteristic of spam messages is promotional messages sent in bulk.

Spam messages are often found in email inboxes and even on your phone's inbox. Usually, these messages contain unwanted advertising content for the message recipients. The main motive of spam is to promote a product or service. In fact, Spam Laws show that 36% of all spam messages sent daily contain advertisements.

However, not all spam only contains advertisements, KLovers. There are also spam messages that contain negative things. Usually, such harmful content includes malware, viruses, and scams. In fact, spam can also be used by hackers to steal personal information such as your bank account details.

2. Types of Spam

Illustration (credit: Pexels)

After you understand the true meaning of spam, you also need to know the types of spam. There are many types of spam that you can know, and here are some types of spam that you can know:

1. Promotional Spam

The first type of spam is promotional spam which aims to promote a product or service offered by a brand. This type of spam is relatively harmless and does not pose a threat to the recipient.

2. Malware Spam

Malware spam messages usually contain malicious files that aim to spread viruses and infect the recipient's operating system. The main purpose of this malware virus also varies. Often, this type of spam is used to steal the recipient's data or to damage existing data on the device.

3. Phishing Spam

Phishing scams are one part of malware spam. In essence, phishing is a fraudulent practice where spammers pretend to be well-known brands offering promotions and rewards.

4. Scam Spam

Scam spam can be considered one of the most dangerous types of spam for recipients. The main purpose of this message is to deceive the recipient with a large prize offer. Spammers will send messages containing announcements of prize draw events or something similar.

3. Forms of Spam

Illustration (credit: Pexels)

In addition to the types and meanings of spam, you also need to know what forms spam can take. Yes, the form of spam refers to the appearance or content of the spam that is sent to us. And here are the forms of spam that are sent by us:

1. Email

Email spam is the practice of sending unwanted electronic messages, often commercial in nature, in large quantities to anyone. The issue of email spam started to become a problem when the internet was opened to the public in the mid-1990s.

The emergence of many spam messages that are not from spammers is due to the collaboration between malware creators, spammers, and financial scammers, allowing them to form various types of cooperation.

2. Instant Messaging

Applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, Line, and others are commonly used by us. In fact, instant messaging spam takes advantage of the system of these instant messaging applications. Instant messaging spam tends to not be blocked by firewalls, making this channel very useful for spammers.

3. Mobile Phones

Mobile phone spam is directed towards text message or SMS services on phones. This spam can be very disruptive to customers because it not only causes inconvenience, but also may incur costs for every text message received. The term "text spam" was coined on the Adland advertising website in 2000 to describe spam text messages.

4. Things that Cause Spam

Illustration (credit: Pexels)

Spam may not just happen out of the blue, KLovers. However, there are things that may cause spam. And here are some things that may cause the presence of spam in your electronic devices:

1. Data leakage

If you have ever entered your phone number and email on an internet application and there is a data leakage on that platform. Then your data can be exploited by irresponsible parties.

2. Numbers and emails found randomly

Yes, spammers can also find your phone number and email by manually guessing the email address.

3. Frequently entering personal data on online platforms

Not all online applications can be trusted, irresponsible platforms can sell your data to spammers.

That is the meaning of spam that you can know. Not only the meaning of spam, but you can also know the types, forms of spam, and things that can cause spam to occur. Knowing the meaning of spam can make you more careful in providing personal information.

(kpl/gen/dhm)