chain link by Larry Berlin

The links between mankind and the computer



Nancy Bishop-Harvey

University of Maine at Augusta




Mankind has managed to create many things which have become integral to society, giving hope for the future or leaving detrimental changes which are yet to come. One such creation has been the computer, which has definitely left it's mark on society, while filling a space that both is positive and negative.


"The sweetest path of life leads through the avenues of learning, and whoever can open up the way for another, ought, sofar, to be esteemed a benefactor to mankind"~David Hume, 'Thoughts on Wisdom',
  • American Heritage
    • ~

    If it weren't for the computer, communication lines would not have broadened their horizons...between family, friends,acquaintances, nations, and businesses. 'E-mail' has surmounted the ordinary letter that was sent via the mailbox at the end of the driveway to our homes. Your 'Aunt Nellie' who once awoke for the pure enjoyment of accepting a kind, encouraging note from you is now sitting at her computer, reading her e-mail message from you, having saved postage and pulp from trees (hopefully she isn't disturbed by her internet server disconnecting paying patrons for the space of others----before she was only disturbed by the mailman's tardiness). There are also numerous 'chat' lines one can visit to talk away the time. These chat arenas can be useful to people if they are in search of a particular answer to a question, or are in need of input in a certain area, yet they can pose dangers as well to the computer illiterate user who is unaware of the full spectrum of the internet and its boundaries and its implications.

    There is a group of people interested in computers that have formed the

  • International Society for Computers & their Applications.
    • This society has brought together communities that may not have coincided from the beginning. Yet, is this the most productive route to bring folks together with? It may not be as heart warming as an invitation in person, but it certainly is a good starting point. Sometimes one can get too absorbed in the technological device created to enhance our world(or was it?). In the book,
  • The Internet for Dummies
    • , Carol Baroudi remarks on computers:
    "She(herself, as one of the co-authors) believes that we are living in a very interesing time when technology is changing faster than people can imagine. Carol hopes that as we learn to use the new technologies, we don't lose sight of our humanity, and feels that computers can be useful and fun but are no substitute for real life." ~The Internet for Dummies,6th ed.,1999~

    Another area of interest is the invaluable assistance that the computer has given to the area of health. Multitudes of people can and have been helped by the computer aided surgeries. There is a selection of P.h.d's and the like that have bonded together to form the

  • International Society for Computer Aided Surgery
    • . It is by way of the computer that they can converse about new ideas and give support for the notion, credibility, and need for this marvelous avenue of speed and accuracy. This brings us towards a better future, especially for those who may at one time not have had one in sight. On the other hand, this technology also can enable man to alter the next generation. Is this morally correct...who is to say, and what and who will decide the ultimate fate of mankind? Man himself (for mans preoccupation with himself may be his inevitable(?) demise).


    Man's fascination with his surroundings has sponned the 'virtual reality'. Virtual worlds have replaced the natural elements we once held so dear to our hearts. These new environments do have a flip side though, a good side for people who have fears and who are now able to overcome them because of the computer.

    "Psychologists at Georgia Tech in Atlanta use a virtual reality system to help people overcome fear of flying or fear of heights without having to visit a real plane or tall rooftop."~Fenella Saunders, journalist, Discover magazine,1999~

    There is also the incentive for the New York Stock Exchange to include this device...a device that shows a 'computer-generated model of all the trading activity'(Saunders,1999). This gives more accurate changes and displays quicker results than relying on a person to do by hand. Yet, isn't it true that it all comes back to the original programmer, their ideas, motives, and programs?
    "A computer can perform logical inferences at a speed that far surpasses our own and, properly programmed in an area where the relevant knowledge can be included as part of the data, can outstrip our meager abilities by a large factor. Ironically, this supposedly "highest" level of human intelligence is the one at which the computer is most adept."~Rick Decker & Stuart Hirshfield,
  • The Analytical Engine
    • ~

    The computer does have limitations, as do we. This link of limitations is an interesting circle that creates commonalities between what we have designed and ourselves. Both need maintenance, and without will stop functioning at a certain point in time. Each can be replaced....but generally computers are standard, whereas humans are unique individuals. One difference is that computers have a warranty, and we do not. Our warranty lies in our standards, ethics, and way of life.

    "If we want to utilize in the proper way and to the fullest extent the products of a man's intellect, we must develop that part of man's being that is his heart and spirit"~Ferdinand Pecora, from Thoughts on Wisdom~
    This must be valuable foresight for us all.



    Links for cited text


    • designs for links
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    • aims of computer surgery
      		•
    • computer society
      		•
    • Discover magazine
      		•
    • A.E. with Rick & Stu
      		•
    • American Heritage
      		•
    • 'Internet for Dummies'
      		•
    • CIS101



      • References Cited


      Baroudi, Carol; Levine, John R; Young, Margaret Levine, Internet for Dummies,1999,IDG Books Worldwide, pg VI


      Berlin, Larry,'Deep Eye',URL address: http://www.sonic.net/~lberlin/new/deepeye.html


      Decker, Rick & Hirshfield, Stuart,The Analytical Engine, An introduction to Computer Science Using the Internet, 1998, PWS pg 302


      Hume, David, 'Thoughts on Wisdom'American Heritage, 1995, Forbes pg 21


      Pecora, Ferdinand, 'Thoughts on Wisdom',American Heritage, 1995, Forbes pg3


      Saunders, Fenella, 'Future Tech Virtual Reality 2.0, Discover mag., Sept. 1999 pg 32,34


      (author unknown) ISCA, URL address: http://www.isca-hq.org, International Society for Computers & their Applications


      (author unknown)ISCAS, URL address: http://www.iscas.org.aims.html