Effects of Computer Society Essay Example for Free

Effects of Computer Society Essay Traditionally, courses that deal with computers and society issues focus primarily on enumerating the various ways in which computers impact society. This is done by listing categories of topics such as privacy, computers in medicine, military uses of computers, etc. Classic cases of computer abuse or errant systems are typically described in detail, as a way of simply making students more aware of how computers affect society. These examples are meant to serve as warnings to future professionals, in the hopes that they will practice their profession with greater care. What is missing from these discussions, however, is  why  computers have the impact they do on society. What are the characteristics that are the root of this impact? Are there fundamental differences between this technology and others that have transformed our world in the past? The intent of developing a list of these characteristics is that it could lead to a better understanding of the nature of the social impact of computers. In this way, it might be possible to examine a new computer project at the time of its  design  (not, as is the usual case, a long time after the project has been implemented and disseminated) to determine its potential impacts as a social change agent. The characteristics given below are not necessarily unique to computer technology. However, in many instances computers have created situations that were previously impossible to accomplish (such as space flight), were essentially inconceivable until the technology was applied, or at least were very difficult to achieve without the aid of computer technology. Furthermore, even though other technologies may have had impacts similar to computers in many ways, computer technology has greatly amplified their effects to the point of entirely overshadowing any previous technologys impact. Finally, the term  computer technology  is meant to be inclusive of any device that is essentially controlled by a basic computer (CPU, program, etc. ). This would include, therefore, modern telephones, VCRs, microwave ovens, CAT scanners, supermarket scanners, and the like. The following are in no particular order. Also, some devices or examples are likely to fit into more than one of the categories below: (1) Ubiquity It is perhaps stating the obvious that computers appear to be everywhere today. Even when we dont encounter them directly in their various forms of modern convenience devices, such as digital watches, microwave ovens, VCRs, and the like, we generate transactions that are processed via computers without actively doing anything: the utility companies are recording our usage, the phone company records incoming calls, our answering machine might be recording a message while we are doing something else, someone is performing a credit check on us, etc. (2) Magnification Computers tend toward magnification in several different ways. First, the explosion of the availability of information is due in large part to the computers ability to generate, collect, and store an ever increasing amount of raw data. Since the ability to create and collect data is growing exponentially, so too is the generation of information that can be synthesized from this data. Second, the types of negative impacts a single error can have has grown enormously with computer technology. Finally, the number of people directly affected by a system error has also grown enormously, to where a single software system literally can affect millions directly. 3) Accessibility Access to information continues to increase at hard to believe speeds. Many information resources are available only in digital form, via, for instance, the Internet. As more information is converted to digital form (e. g. voice and video), the ability to duplicate and distribute such information increases enormously. Indeed, there are some forms of publishing that can exist only within the context of a computer system. The concept of hypertext and hypermedia (including audio and video), the ability to create non-linear accessibility to information, was conceived out of the ability to randomly access information via computers. Its increasing success easily shows how important information in a digital form has become already. (Oz, 1994). (5) Lack of Accountability It has become a popular complaint that it is getting more and more difficult to locate a human being who is willing to accept responsibility for an error made by a computerized system. While it is tempting to blame such problems on incompetent employees, in truth the problem may be a poor user interface, lack of training, or an error in the software, none of which can be solved by those providing the front-line service. Another difficulty is finding someone who will, indeed, fix an error in an account. It is often the case that service representatives are reluctant to accept the responsibility for making a necessary change. In addition, it can often be difficult to even find a human being to deal with a problem. Getting lost in a voice-mail system has become a modern urban legend. (Nissenbaum, 1994). (6) Temporality Computers have several effects on time and the timeliness of information. It seems that computer technology is to blame in large part for the speed p of modern society everything has to get done faster, be there sooner, be available immediately. Another form of temporality in computer systems is that information can be retained over long periods of time, even when they appear to have been destroyed (consider the classic case of Col. Oliver North). There is little reason that information should be entirely lost any more, even due to accident. And it is reasonable to suspect that every s crap of information generated today will be available virtually forever. Another temporal shift for which computers have been responsible is that people who work together do not necessarily have to do so at the same time. Finally, services and information are more frequently available on a 24-hour basis. This allows people to request a service or seek information when it fits their schedule, rather than when it fits the service providers schedule. (7) Spatiality Computers have done more to shorten distances than any previous technology, even the supersonic jet. It is possible to send large amounts of data, messages, video, etc. virtually anywhere in the world via networks such as Internet. Long distance learning, using information databases or video feeds of courses via satellite, is a reality for a growing portion of our modern society. We can now even be on the move when we talk with someone on the phone, or receive a fax. (8) Surveillability Is there any doubt that computers have made surveillance easier than at any time in history? In addition to the usual surveillance equipment such as cameras and microphones, transactional data is increasingly being collected for virtually all types of transactions, even cash purchases and the acquisition of services. There has even been discussion by the government of using a universal health card, which is seen by many as the first step toward finalizing the move (begun with the co-opting of the social security number) in the US toward a national identification card. (9) Shifting of Relationships/Changes in Intercommunication Protocols One of the more difficult characteristics to track is how computer technology has changed communication between people and groups of people. In particular, the use of email has been shown to eliminate a lot of the usual visual and verbal cues we often use in communicating with one another (whch can be viewed as both an advantage and as a disadvantage). In addition to removing such cues, computer-mediated communications mask attributes such as race, gender, age, or physical disability, in addition, perhaps, to the persons social or management status within an organization. (Grudin, 1994; Perrole, 1987). (10) Illusion of Precision It is not difficult to make many (perhaps even most) people who are not in the computer field believe that any numeric result generated by a computer is correct. Those not well versed in the hardware of computers have little understanding of the fact that numbers must be converted back and forth between decimal and binary forms, or that there is a limitation on the accuracy of numbers due to memory constraints. As a result, they willingly accept values generated by a computer as infinitely accurate. (Liffick, 1985). Conclusion The characteristics described above are factors in the social impact of computer technology. For most there is at least anecdotal evidence of their existence (with seemingly countless examples). For some, there is also experimental evidence. It has finally become widely accepted that technology is not value neutral, as originally thought. By examining this list and using it as a set of landmarks for evaluating new systems, it may be possible to better anticipate the social impact of new systems, prior to their dissemination.

deviance Essay -- essays research papers

The difference between a deviant act and a deviant career is different in many ways. For one to start off by talking about a deviant career. A deviant career has phases that the people involved in it go through. The fist of those phases is entering the deviant career the second is being deviant and the third is exiting the deviant career. People involved in a deviant career also goes through "career cycles- entree, upward mobility, peaks, aging, burn out, and getting out". Also "Patterns for deviant careers are more flexible and varied". As for deviant acts there are different types of deviant acts. These acts consist of individual deviant acts, cooperative acts, and then there is a conflict that may occur. The entering a deviant career consist of a person becoming more acquainted with a deviant act usually changes the company that they keep. Changing the company could be any thing from making new friends or hanging out at different places. People often either shift into a deviant career by them selves or with other people. The type of deviant act is different from that of a career. The first type is called individual act. Individual acts are usually done by ones self with out the help of other people. One person usually does the act itself. Individual acts can also be self induced, thing like a person" taking their own life alcoholism" and a person with a compulsive gambling disorder...

Swot Analysis College

SWOT Analysis Lauren Fischer October 29, 2012. SWOT Analysis Strengths: Location Low student to teacher ratio Weaknesses: Crime College Mission/Vision Lack of Diversity Threats: Economy Peer Insitutions Opportunities: Economy External fundraising efforts Strengths: Location Low student to teacher ratio Weaknesses: Crime College Mission/Vision Lack of Diversity Threats: Economy Peer Insitutions Opportunities: Economy External fundraising efforts Strengths: Location The college may bene? t most from it’s location.The location may have little to do with the inner workings of the college, but it is one of the most attractive features about the college. The campus aesthetics, historical surroundings and proximity to the beach makes it an attractive location for prospective college students and helps increase enrollment. The quality of life here is rated highly which not only draws students to enroll, but leads to high retention rates amongst the student body. Student to Teacher Rat io The student faculty ratio stands at 16:9:1 which allows an intimate learning environment for the students.The The faculty is bright and genuinely care about the students. Students get to experience an availability to their professors and a personalized learning experience. This bene? ts the students and allows them to excel academically throughout their time at the college of charleston and establishes a mutual respect and good relationship between the students and faculty. Students come here seeking that level of attention and leave the school receiving more than they expected. Weaknesses Crime The College lies in the heart of downtown Charleston, which neighbors North Charleston.North Charleston is regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in the nation. Crime draws bad publicity and damages student morale. While many students who are expecting an urban environment and have an understanding that there are dangers with living in a city, the crime level may hinder perspective students from enrolling. Theft is an issue on campus for many of the students. College Mission/Vision According to Charleston’s strategic plan for the year of 2012, the college has failed to assert itself in the community. Internal and external constituents are often computed about the College’s missions, questioning whether it is the state’s liberal art’s college or a comprehensive university, private or public, a teaching or a research institution. † (Strategic Plan, p. 2) Two- thirds of the students at the College of Charleston are earning degrees in the liberal arts and sciences and most of the faculty and students regard the school as a liberal arts college. The state of South Carolina considers College of Charleston to be one of the ten comprehensive institutions.Lack of Diversity The College of Charleston has increased it’s academic quality and quality of life signi? cantly over the years. â€Å" It’s student body remains overw helmingly white, female, middle class. The college’s current strategic plan says that percentage of students from diverse ethnic groups at the College of Charleston is the lowest of any of the state’s four-year colleges and universities. The lack of diversity may hinder enrollments, especially those students looking for a unique urban experience. The school should try to develop strategies or programs that might attract more students from diverse backgrounds.Opportunities Economy While for many reasons the economy can be seen as a threat, and in today’s world it is a threat for many colleges across the nation, it is an opportunity in disguise. Because of the economic downfall, many adults have been let go from there jobs. Many people who have become unemployed over the last few years have made the decision to return to school. Enrollments are up, and people are ? nishing their degrees and receiving new ones. In result, the college is receiving more money from ne w enrollments and helping adults continue their future.External Fundraising Efforts The college has a strong presence and history in the city of charleston. The school needs to utilize that presence and seek out external fundraising efforts and support. According to College of Charleston’s strategic plan, the college’s external resources have been historically weak and remain signi? cantly behind the level of of success in peer institutions. There seems to be an issue of underfunding throughout the college, but increased relations with external resources can enhance endowment resources and continue on with future growth of the college.Threats Economy While the current economy could lead to possible opportunities for the college, it stands as an obvious threat the the college and its operations. State appropriation combined with other operating revenues make up only 20 percent of the budget, making the College Substantially dependent on tuition revenues. The college can not depend on state sources alone to fund future growth. In our current economy, people are pinching their pockets and saving money in any way that they can.In result, many are opting out of college or going to community colleges instead. There is a higher demand for loans and scholarships than ever before. The College is currently unable to offer all deserving students competitive scholarships and ? nancial aid. People are hurting everywhere, usual donors and alumni are cutting their costs and providing less donations to the college or none at all. This causes in shortages for technology, facilities, and athletics. Peer Institutions Peer institutions have always and will always be a threat to the College of Charleston.People are going to less urban schools where the cost of living is cheaper. The College is not well known for their sports and does not have a football team, so many schools with strong athletics draw in more students who desire the camaraderie big athletics brings to a university. Salaries and bene? ts for faculty and staff has not kept pace with our competitors. This could cause lowered retention and recruitment among the staff and faculty at the college and College Of Charleston could risk losing their strong reputation.All of these weaknesses in the college’s internal and external workings stand as a bene? t for other institutions and pose as a threat to the success of the College of Charleston. Sources: The College of Charleston http://www. cofc. edu/strategicplan/ The Princeton Review http://www. princetonreview. com/schools/college/CollegeAcademics. aspx? iid=1022 883 College Prowler http://collegeprowler. com/college-of-charleston/ Post & Courier http://www. postandcourier. com/article/20121016/PC05/121019443/1010/conde-nast-charleston-top-tourist-cityin-the-world

Essay about Stalins Russia - 717 Words

To what extent was a totalitarian state established in the USSR in the 1930s? From the start of Stalins self-imposed reign of control he always had the makings as a leader to create a totalitarian government, for example his ideology. Stalin wanted his people to believe that he cared for them. Its interesting to say his because it refers to the sense that Stalin himself believed he owned the Russian people which completely contradicts a lot of what he did and the reasons for which he did it. For example Stalin always told the people that he was doing things for the greater good of the Russian people. This contradiction could alter the disposition of things when considering the totalitarianism in the USSR in the 1930s.†¦show more content†¦It was not only fear that Stalin used to put people on his side, Stalin also appeased a lot of what people wanted. Women were given more rights and responsibilities in everyday life in Russia. For example, in World War One women didn t have a lot to do with it whereas in the the Second World War hundreds of women fought on the front line and many women achieved the highest award possible for serving in the armed forces. This was because Stalin believed that women were at the centre point of Russian society and therefore appeased them because he knew how important they were. Stalin also put himself at the point of every family and made it known how he felt about the importance of family life, it was made a rule that every family had to have a picture of him in the house so that he could be at the centre point of everything. To create a totalitarian state there has to be acceptance from everyone, this was not fully achieved in the USSR, but because of Stalin’s Great Terror acceptance was not needed by everyone, the fear he inflicted left a great wound in the Russian people, through his reign Stalin was responsible for over 20 million deaths. This wouldve meant that people feared for their lives which led to people being submissive to the State, therefore creating a totalitarian state because of the totalShow MoreRelated George Orwell’s 1984 and Stalin’s Russia Essay2140 Words   |  9 Pagesused by Oceania’s Party truly depicts the brutal totalitarian society of Stalin’s Russia. In making a connection between Stalin’s Russia and Big Brothers’ Oceania, each Political Party implements a psychological and physical manipulation over society by controlling the information and the language with the help of technology.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many features of Orwells imaginary super-state Oceania are ironic translations from Stalin’s Russia. In Oceania, the Party mainly uses technology as the chief ingredientRead MoreThe book 1984 has a lot of parallels with Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Russia. The author of this book,800 Words   |  4 Pages The book 1984 has a lot of parallels with Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Russia. 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