The Ethical Impacts of Computer Systems on our Personal Lives - Coursework Example

The Ethical Impacts of Computer Systems on our Personal Lives Executive Summary 21st century has seen the rise and emergence of new computer systems and technologies. However, these changes have on our lives and the paper elaborates the importance of ethics to man. The paper assesses the trends technological and information systems pose to the society. With the dawn of new challenges never experienced before, it articulates the risks human race might be in. With an increase in probability of infringes as a result of rise in technological advancements, ithighlights how things might be easier from an ethical point of view. Despite the advantages associated with computer systems, still there are its shortcomings and this paper sheds light on them. It also gives recommendations for future resolutions. Introduction The society has been affected greatly by information systems, what present time historians refer to as ‘information age’. This is as a result of the present time prowess to collect, process, distribute and store large volumes of data and information. Whitten et al ( 8-45) describe computer system as an organization of people, interface, data and processes working in harmony to help in day-to-day problem-solving and decision-making needs. It’s important tonote that human beings have become computer savvy as a result of an increase in the amount of data and information available in the internet, the ease with which they can access this information and a rise trend in computer literacy amongst people. The word ethics spurs a lot of debate as to being on the affirmative or negative. It is described as ones moral principles that determine his reactions and behavior. To the affirmative is ‘ethical’ and the opposite is ‘unethical’. There is an increase in the use and application of computer systems in our everyday life. The most common impacts are a rise in the uses of internet (Micah and Paul 23) Ethical impacts of computer systems Any change or advancement always has a direct effect on one’s life. This is because it touches on the core of one’s existence; his/ her job, government of the day, social interactions as well as mode and level of education. As part of the existence of the society, everyone has the right and obligation to each other with regard to the ethics. The effects of these systems can either be an advantage or a disadvantage to the individual. However, in most occasions both the scenarios are true as one group benefits and the other reaps from its shortcomings. Disadvantages include: i. Loss of privacy ii. Depersonalization and shift in one’s incentives Advantages include: i. Lower prices for information systems that substitute labor and capital. ii. Increased quality of products and services. Computer systems raise an alarm for individuals and the society as a whole as they stir significant changes socially and this poses a threat to the traditional rule of power distribution. However, just as other technologies such as electricity, telephone among others, computer systems can be used to cover milestones socially whilst others can still use it to commit crimes that would shake to the core human social values. Also, the internet and electronic commerce (e-commerce) has put abreast many organizations due to the ease with which they can assemble and relay necessary information to their customers/ clients. This however has raised concern from clients on their personal private data on these institutions databases. It has been the plea of many that everyone takes accountability for the repercussions of these systems, set high standards to safeguard on the quality of the systems released into the market as well preserving the social values of life. Does anyone remember the main purpose for the invention of computers? Did it make things easier from an ethical point of view? Its main purpose was to solve arithmetic and logic problems that were complex as well as data storage. This is important as anyone in possession of a computer can work from wherever he/ she are. Moreover, they can store large volumes of data and information in a single machine. This means that there are significant strides in science as very complex calculations can be computed with the help of programs. It has also revolutionized learning as one does not necessarily have to write notes instead they can type and access notes from the internet (Whitten et al 35) Computer storage capacity revolutionized customer service and human resource in several firms. Computers systems simplified inventory management as data that is important to the organization as customer tastes and important contacts goes into the firm’s database for easy reference. This means that if at all the company wants to get feedback from its customers or reach another firm for assistance; the information can easily be accessed from their database. There is an increase in the ability of computers hence higher processing speeds; ability to get access to any data/ information stored therefore reliance. There is also a significant decline in data storage costs. This is as a result of online storage making it easier for organizations and individuals to maintain their databases. The rate of computer systems data analysis meant that one could create a detailed profile and analyze it making conclusions on one’s behavior. The internet has enabled easy access and movement bulk data with ease. Computer systems have helped in the realization of the world as a “global village”. This in turn means that one can communicate with a friend/ relative from all parts of the world. Risks of computer systems on our personal lives Accountability, Liability and Control With computer systems, it has not been easy determining who is to be accountable for decisions and actions taken by a company. This is despite laws and courts putting in place precedents on who is to be accountable way before the invention of the of computer systems. System quality With computer systems in place, data quality and errors from the system are becoming critical. This means that quality of data is value now than ever before. Any inaccuracy therefore makes the information obsolete to the end user. Quality of life An aspect of the quality of life most hit by computer systems is working from home. Nowadays some people work for 7 days a week from the comfort of their homes, and this means little or no time to interact with others. Online dating has also been a major factor, as people spend a lot of time on the internet looking for love as others get swindled of their cash leading to depression. With the emergence of social networking sites, a lot leaves unanswered. A good example is www.facebook.com that has higher members than any national average population. Thus, the site has a great impact towards the Middle East Arab Revolution; however sex offenders use it as a bait to trap the vulnerable. A computer crime as the act of using a computer to perform an act that’s illegal in the eye of the state, so as to acquire, change location of data or harm someone. With computer systems, one can maliciously access ones financial statements, launch an attack on ones data/ information using computer viruses as well as salami slicing. Another risk with computer systems is the rise in computer games. Numerous questions have been raised on the effects it has on its users more so the youth. As much as there is significant research on its effects, it is said that those who play violent games tend to imitate the same (Mosud 53) Health Risks There has been a lot of concern over prolonged use of computer systems. These are: i. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) ii. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) iii. Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) Remember that at any one moment that one falls ill, their level of productivity reduces. Employment A rise in technology hence better computer systems would cause a paradigm shift in business processes leading to loss of jobs. The people who would be hit the most are clerical workers hence the reason it is noted that the society is headed to a “permanently unemployed” state. With the rise in ethical and social issues associated to computer systems, it is therefore the duty of educators, law makers and computer professional bodies to come up with ethical and professional computer systems code of conduct. Governments ought to raise more awareness on implications of not adhering to the above-mentioned laws (Whitten et al 35). Law enforcement bodies ought to be more vigilant towards curbing anyone who blatantly commits computer crimes. Moreover, the societymust see to it that everyone is accountable for their actions. This means that all the spheres of life are no exception. Take an example of what has become of parenting with the existence of computer systems. A parent has to monitor their child’s access to the internet as well as channels they are to view lest they feed their minds with pornographic materials. Moreover, some students opt for electronic learning. Access to data on financial institutions has become way easier even with mobile banking. Couples can easily check on their spouses as they can send and receive messages, calls and data with ease. In conclusion, one needs to remember these nuggets of information otherwise called the “Ten Commandments” at all times. i. Do not use a computer to harm others ii. Do not interfere with works in one’s computer iii. Do not spy one’s computer files iv. Do not use a computer to aid in stealing v. Do not use a computer for false witness vi. Do not use a software for which you’ve made no payments illegally vii. Do not use one’s computer resources without his knowledge and further without compensations viii. Do not copy someone’s work ix. Do not hold yourself back from designing new programs engulfed by fear of judgment x. Always use a computer in a manner which upholds respects for other people. Works Cited: Micah, Hester and Paul, Ford. Computers and Ethics in the Cyberage. Prentice Hall, 2011.Print Mosud, Olumoye. “Ethics and Social Impact of Information Systems in Our Society: Analysis and Recommendations.” International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), ISSN (Online): 2319-7064. Print. Whitten, Jeffrey L, Lonnie D. Bentley, and Kevin C. Dittman. Systems Analysis and Design Methods. Boston: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2004: 8-45 Print. Read More