Overview-
Class this week consisted of an introduction to the world of computers. However, typical introductory lessons, this first week wasn't about the mechanical components that make-up the modern day computer. In fact, we didn't even touch upon the technical specs. Instead we discussed privacy issues, the learning method of the class and the importance of this course to the future of business, academia and social relationships. In short, computer science matters. Not because of the potential of the field but because computer science is the new model of society. Its the new language of the millennial generation.
While these discussion topics took up half of the class time the rest of the time was used to introduce the first assignment of the year. Dubbed the Conspiracy Theory, this assignment explores the ideas of identify theft within a high school context. The goal is to prove whether or not Leonardo is the victim of a malicious attempt to blacken his name or the culprit of a heinous crime against an innocent freshmen.
Reflection-
As a class, we've discussed a wide range of topics from the meaning of the internet to its drawbacks. After all this, I must say what disconcerts me most aren't the virtual crumbs of data i'm leaving behind never to be seen or erased again (though that is a scary thought) but rather how corporations are using this data and tailoring my search experience. This is news. Never have i considered that the same mechanism used to present massive amounts of information at a blinding speed can also be used to trap me in a bubble of personal preferences. Although i can appreciate the ingenuity behind filtering information, i must say i don't appreciate the state of ignorance that it leaves me in. I firmly believe that the web ought to expose a person to different ideas and different problems. If news sites or search engines begin to tailor the browsing experience to match a computed preference then that experience if a biased one. Just as voter-turn-out rates is essential to maintenance of a democratic society, so too is unfiltered information to the minds of each individual. If companies can control and filter information as they please, how is that any different from a society run by communism?
No comments:
Post a Comment