afffects of computers on society (with sociology ref)
...at they think it's all part of the natural landscape. To them, the digital technology is no more intimidating than a VCR or toaster.” Computers can be found in the home, school, factory, and office; digital technologies, such as cameras, video games, and CD-ROMs are also a commonplace. There is no doubt that computers are definitely making individuals smarter and more wiser by the second. In fact some people are becoming too smart for their own good. What exactly am I talking about? I’m talking about a group of elite cyber-surfers who have turned into today‘s computer hackers. . Deviance -Emile Durkeim Along with computers comes the popular online system called the Internet. On the Net, one must search for, rather than simply look at, information. This forces one to develop thinking and investigative skills, they must become critics of which web sites are good and what is real and what is fictitious. Unfortunately there are some cyber-surfers who take this intelligence way to far which is called Hacking. “Hacking: "Slang word for a computer enthusiast. One who breaks into the computer system of a company or government."( Kashmanian, ¶ 5) According to Healy, J. M. (1998, 4) most hackers break into computers not to wreak havoc, but simply to explore and share information with one another. A small minority, however, do wish to create mischief. These individuals are the ones who have the public fearing hackers. Which bring us to Emile Durkheim theory that Deviance brings about social change. The social change that is evident in the case of hackers is fear, fear of surfing the internet with privacy. Hacking is a major crime on the Net. “$7.5 billion of American Software is stolen each year from hacking.” (Healy, 4) Stealing of information from corporate sites is extremely illegal. “Industrial Espionage a hacking system is gaining access to remote sites illegally by using Password Sniffers”. The concern with the public is “is my personal information safe?“ Unfortunately, computer hackers in today’s world are becoming more intelligent. They are realizing that people are constantly developing more hack proof systems. This presents the hackers with a bigger challenge and a bigger thrill. “The government is realizing this and is working on making harsher laws to, hopefully, scare away potential hackers.” (http://www.sandiego.edu ¶ 6) Kuznet’s Curve-Digital Divide Computers do have some flaws there are a lot of advantages that come along with obtaining one. Some say the Internet is the savior for the world ant that it will bring all the people of the world together for universal peace. “The great equalizer, the educator, the cash cow, the greatest communication infrastructure ever”. (Tapscott, 4) I say, if the internet is that great, why doesn’t everyone have access to it? “At home, those with a college degree or higher are over eight times more likely to have a computer than the least educated and nearly sixteen times more likely to have home Internet access.”(http://ts.mivu.org/ ¶ 8) This dividend brings us to the Kuznets Curve theory, separating the have from the have not. One factor that is popularly known for widening this digital gap is income. Income level is a strong determinant of a person or household's Internet access. While a predictor of overall Internet use, income level also influences where and how a person uses the Internet. “Persons with incomes of less than $35,000 more often use the Internet outside the home, while those making over $75,000 predominantly use the Internet at home“. (http://ts.mivu.org/ ¶ 8) Location also has a lot to do with the access of the internet, “Urban ho...