Final answer:
Spam emails expose recipients to hazardous content primarily by including malicious links or infected files, risking individual security and broader societal issues like identity theft or fraud.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spam emails often contain potentially hazardous content which can expose the recipient to risks. The first main way is by including malicious links that, when clicked, can install malware on the user's device or lead them to phishing sites designed to steal sensitive information. The second main way is through the attachment of infected files. These can masquerade as legitimate documents but upon opening can execute harmful code that compromises the security of the user's device.
It is crucial for individuals to be vigilant when dealing with spam to avoid becoming victims of cybercriminals. As hackers have numerous methods to break into websites and lure people into providing personal information, the risk extends beyond individual consequences to broader societal risks when personal information is used for crimes such as identity theft, fraud or even national security threats if the compromised information involves governmental entities.