Sending unsolicited bulk messages electronically is a harmful practice. This often involves transmitting the same message to a large number of recipients, typically for commercial purposes, without their consent. A common example includes mass emails promoting a product or service that individuals have not requested to receive.
The ramifications of this activity are significant. It contributes to email clutter, reduces productivity by forcing recipients to sort through unwanted messages, and can carry malicious content such as phishing scams or malware. Historically, as email communication became more prevalent, this practice emerged as a way for marketers to reach a wider audience, often disregarding ethical considerations and user experience.