What is spam commonly defined as?

Spam is commonly defined as unwanted or unsolicited email, which often includes messages sent in bulk to a large number of users. This type of email typically aims to promote products or services, spread misinformation, or engage in phishing attempts, often without the recipients' consent or interest.

This definition aligns with the characteristics of spam: it is not requested by the recipient, lacks a relevant or beneficial context, and generally cluttering the inbox can disrupt effective communication. Spam can hinder productivity, compromise security, and overwhelm legitimate communications, making it a significant issue for both individual users and organizations.

The other definitions do not accurately encompass the nature of spam. For instance, targeted advertising based on user behavior refers to personalized marketing efforts that are typically relevant to the user, rather than unsolicited bulk messages. Frequent messages from known contacts suggest an expected line of communication, completely contrary to the unsolicited nature of spam. Finally, a form of legitimate business communication implies a degree of consent or relevance that falls outside the typical definition of spam.