privacy-concerns
The anxiety that computers enable invasive surveillance by governments and corporations, raising legal and moral issues.
2 chapters across 1 book
Man and the Computer (1972)John G. Kemeny
This chapter explores the popular negative reactions to computers, framing them as either symbiotic partners or harmful parasites in human society. Kemeny identifies common fears such as computers reducing humans to mere numbers and concerns about privacy invasion by large organizations. He argues that many complaints stem from early unsophisticated computer usage and that better design and policies could alleviate these fears.
The chapter discusses the evolving symbiotic relationship between humans and computers, emphasizing the potential for personalized computing services to enhance efficiency and enjoyment by 1990. It critiques current bureaucratic information management, highlighting inefficiencies and the lack of inter-agency data sharing, while acknowledging societal concerns about privacy in the context of national data banks. The author envisions widespread home computer terminals and improved information systems that could significantly improve the quality of human life.