P2P

            File sharing refers to the process of transferring, and distributing, electronic files in the form of computer files through the internet. Normally, users share files containing different types of media, including documents, audio, videos, and images. In addition, P2P file sharing, also known as peer-to-peer file sharing, specifically refers to the sharing of such media files from one individual to another individual through the use of P2P technology, or software, that directly connects the two users' devices. With P2P file sharing software, it has also raised concerns that such technologies inevitably encourages illegal distribution, piracy, and unauthorized use of some media. An example of P2P file sharing is the use of BitTorrent software which allows users to browse libraries filled with different distributors, or peers, and to obtain different forms of entertainment, such as movies, music, and video games from these distributors. Another example, that is similar to P2P file sharing, is the practice of peer-to-peer lending that is discussed in the NPR article, "Peers Find Less Pressure Borrowing From Each Other". According to the article, Lending Club, a peer-to-peer lending company, connects lenders and borrowers through the internet and a new method of obtaining loans and investing. The article states, "The system works like this: Investors put up the money to fund the loans; typically they'll have pieces of hundreds, even thousands of loans which are ranked according to risk." The article continues, "Laplanche says investors make a nice profit, but consumers still get lower rates than they would with a conventional lender because peer-to-peer lending operates like a marketplace." It can be argued that such modernized methods changes, and improves, the standard practices of interaction and sharing between human users.

Citation:

Kaufman, Wendy. "Peers Find Less Pressure Borrowing From Each Other." NPR. NPR, 10 May 2013. Web. 23 Apr. 2017.