1.6 Impact on Society

Over the past few years computers and related technologies have changed the way things are done in our society. Some of the positive changes have resulted are: the internet, electronic data storage and data processing, digital media (TVs, CDs, DVDs, cameras, etc.), embedded systems, and many others. Many of these changes have been positive, but some of these changes have also caused problems in our society. Some examples of the problems that have been caused by computing technologies are: software piracy, information theft, hacking, illegal activities on the internet, addiction to computer based activities, pollution etc. Like all problems facing society, the problems caused by technology also need to be recognized, managed, and solved. In many situations the solutions to some of these problems may be found in technology itself. For example: one of the possible solutions to the problem of information security is encryptions, which is a technological solution to the problem of information theft and privacy. Therefore, an understanding of the impact of technology on society is an asset to those working in the field of computing.

Case Study: Piracy

Currently digital media piracy is a big area of concern to many companies, both small and large. The money businesses lose to piracy is a significant amount, in the order of billions of dollars per year. Digital media piracy takes place in all types of environments; in schools, in businesses, and in homes. Some of the common forms of piracy are:

Eliminating and reducing piracy is important to the industries that are affected by it, but it is also important to society as a whole. At the societal level, piracy affect the economy and it stifles innovation. In the case of piracy there are several factors to consider when attempting to formulate a solution: ethics, beliefs, law, technology, business, education, etc. For example, some believe that piracy is not wrong as long as one is not profiting by making money from piracy. Others argue that a cost of $300 or more for a piece of software is unreasonable, given that the cost of a recordable CD is only $1 or less. Most people who engage in piracy will justify their actions in some way or form, but piracy robs individuals and companies from rightful income. Piracy also hinders progress in software development and takes away potential jobs. The solution to this problem has to be on an individual, societal, and global scale. Individuals need to recognize and understand the problem and the damage it does. Society needs to recognize the problems, and enforce laws that govern piracy. An international effort is needed to battle this global problem. For example, in some countries the piracy rate is as high as 90%, where most of the software is illegal or pirated. This is mainly because most people in these countries do not view software piracy as an illegal activity.

Case Study: Pollution

Unfortunately the production, use, and disposal of computers and related components cause different types of pollution that has a significant environmental impact. During the production phase the mining of different raw materials used in the various components have  significant impact on the environment. During the useful life of the computer the energy consumed by the computer has an environmental footprint. Finally, when the computer reaches its end of life, the disposal of it results in significant environmental impact. Therefore, considering these negative impacts of technology and finding solutions to reduce these are impacts are essential for the future. For example, building components with environmentally friendly components or components that can be recycled easily are potential solutions for the future. It is very important to reduce the environmental impact, because it ultimately will have an impact on our own health and safety. Therefore, the idea of reduce, reuse, and recycle in environmental care becomes an important aspect of computer technology as well. 

Computer technology is not always the cause of pollution. In many instances computer technology helps to reduce pollution. Consider real time mapping software that allows drivers to find paths to their destination around traffic jams. This reduces the amount of fuel that is burnt, therefore, reducing pollution. Similarly, consider embedded systems in car engines that monitors and operates the engine in an optimal way to reduce the production pollutants. These are just some ways in which computer technology is part of the solution to our environmental problems.