Final answer:
Editing and sharing electronic documents compromises data integrity due to the potential for unintended changes, data loss, or corruption. In healthcare, while the sharing of electronic records can improve services.
Step-by-step explanation:
As people edit, cut, paste, and make copies of electronic documents, the result is that data integrity is compromised. This happens because with each iteration or change to a document, there is potential for data to become corrupted, lost, or changed unintentionally. Edits can lead to inconsistencies, and without proper file and version management, it becomes challenging to determine which version of a document is the definitive one. In the realm of healthcare, for example, the sharing of digital records among health providers is aimed at improving the quality and reducing the cost of health care in the U.S., but it also raises privacy concerns. The extensive circulation of electronic documents increases the risks of sensitive data being either accessed without consent or mismanaged.
In contrast to the other options, sharing electronic documents does not inherently mean an increase in file size, nor does it make version control easier. In fact, it can complicate version control as multiple copies and versions exist. Furthermore, sharing documents broadly without stringent security measures does not enhance security; rather, it can increase the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Widespread sharing of digital information has led to concerns about privacy and the need for regulation by governments—highlighting a tension between individual privacy rights and government interests in protecting or regulating community information.