Describe three ways that computers have made the world safer and less safe:

The introduction of the computer was a landmark of progress for society. What followed has been an era of technological advancement that has advanced beyond what was initially theorized. As a result, the introduction of the computer has made certain aspects of the world safer, while it has left others more dangerous as we deal with cyber threats that we never knew were possible.

Computers have made the world safer by providing new and faster ways of connecting to one another. For example, rather than waiting to see your relative or for their letter to come by, you can instantly call them, connect to thousands of social media platforms online to send them a message or use any popular video conferencing application to see them, all using a computer. Computers have also made it easy for us to write books and share ideas through word-processing applications such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft PowerPoint. Unfortunately, being able to connect with anyone without seeing them face-to-face can be a bad thing. Combined with the anonymity of using the Internet, cyber-stalking and cyber-harassment can run rampant. According to Hazelwood, 20% of stalking cases in Los Angeles and 40% of stalking cases in New York utilized the Internet as the mediums” for cyber-stalking and cyber-harassment, with either of the two “promoting a sense of fear and undermining a sense of control in the victim” (Hazelwood & Koon-Magnin, 2013).

Another way computers have made the world safer but unsafe in the same manner is regarding the storing of our information. Computers and the websites you visit regularly store your information, whether in the form of passwords, files you download, or even your search preferences. Doing so allows users to quickly and easily log into their patient portals to message their physicians, check their social security information, file their taxes online, and more. Unfortunately, while this ease of access to critical information is excellent for a user, computers can be infected with viruses and hacked by criminals who can use that information for their interests.

Finally, computers have made us safe and efficient through their use in large technical systems such as those found in infrastructure industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and public transportation. These large engineering systems can help automate processes by “data logging, analyzing data, and real-time decision making” (Cong, n.d.). Without computers and technical systems, these production processes would be handled by humans, subject to error. While computers can still encounter errors, with proper maintenance, they can ensure efficiency. However, just like with websites and applications, large technical systems can also be hacked due to their usage of computers. Through various means, such as phishing emails, malware, or a virus, cyber threats can halt the production of these technical systems, whose products we often rely on.

In conclusion, computers have changed how we do many things for the better. However, there have been some unsuspected issues as well. While we can connect faster than ever, store and obtain information easily, and increase production and efficiency, we have opened the door for cyber-stalking, cyber-harassment, and cybercrime. While we continue to process technologically, we must consider the costs and benefits of using computers and understand how they can keep us safe and unsafe.

Hazelwood, S. D., & Koon-Magnin, S. (2013). Cyber Stalking and Cyber Harassment Legislation in the United States: A Qualitative Analysis. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 7(2).

Wang, Cong. (n.d.) Systems Security Engineering and Cyber Technology: Introduction to Industrial Cyber Systems [lecture notes]. Canvas. https://canvas.odu.edu/courses/132472/pages/introduction-to-industrial-cyber-systems?module_item_id=4207366