Computers and SocietySection 0039 January 2008

Diane Pozefsky

Today’s Agenda Administrivia Web Site:

http://www.cs.unc.edu/~pozefsky/COMP380_S08/ Course Overview

Course Objective Identify controversial issues relating to the

use of technology and information Promote ethical thinking

What is being done What should be done Find a moral position you can defend

Recurring Theme What are the effects of IT on individuals, groups and

societies? Work Commerce Communication Socialization Play Self perception Place

Other themes IT often evolves faster than our ability to

handle Silicon Imperative: “if it can be done with

technology, it should be done with technology” (Mossberg, early 90s)

Benefits and Risks Most benefits are obvious

Productivity tools Medicine Education Assistive technologies …

But with benefits come risks…

Monday Technostress