The frequency of new editions of this book is indicative of the rapid and trem- dous changes in the fields of computer and information sciences. First published in 1995, the book has rapidly gone through three editions already and now we are in the fourth. Over this period, we have become more dependent on computer and telecommunication technology than ever before and computer technology has become ubiquitous. Since I started writing on social computing, I have been ad- cating a time when we, as individuals and as nations, will become totally dependent on computing technology. That time is almost on us. Evidence of this is embodied in the rapid convergence of telecommunication, broadcasting, and computing devices; the miniaturization of these devices; and the ever increasing storage capacity , speed of computation, and ease of use. These qualities have been a big pulling force sucking in millions of new users every day, sometimes even those unwilling. Other appealing features of these devices are the increasing number of applications, apps, as they are increasingly becoming known, and being wireless and easily portable. Whether small or big, these new gizmos have become the c- terpiece of an individual’s social and economic activities and the main access point for all information. Individuals aside, computing technology has also become the engine that drives the nations’ strategic and security infrastructures that control power grids, gas and oil storage facilities, transportation, and all forms of national communication, including emergency services.

An introduction to the social and policy issues which have arisen as a result of IT. Whilst it assumes a modest familiarity with computers, the book provides a guide to the issues suitable for undergraduates. In doing so, the author prompts students to consider questions such as: * How do morality and the law relate to each other? * What should be covered in a professional code of conduct for information technology professionals? * What are the ethical issues relating to copying software? * Is electronic monitoring o employees wrong? * What are the moral codes of cyberspace? Throughout, the book shows how in many ways the technological development is outpacing the ability of our legal systems, and how different paradigms applied to ethical questions often proffer conflicting conclusions. As a result, students will find this a thought-provoking and valuable survey of the new and difficult ethical questions posed by the Internet, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality.

This new edition provides an updated discussion on the ethical and social issues that continue to evolve as computing and information technologies proliferate. It surveys thought-provoking questions about the impact of technology. It shows how changes in information technology influence morality and the law and is a cogent analysis of civil liberties, harassment, and discrimination. In addition, the book explores techniques in electronic crime investigation. This new edition features three new chapters that cover computer network crimes, computer crime investigations, and biometrics.

Social Issues in Computing provides information pertinent to the social implications of technology. This book presents the highly dynamic interaction between computers and society. Organized into 13 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the problems associated with computers and attempts to indicate some of the viewpoints, assumptions, and biases from which the discussion is undertaken. This text then examines in detail the effects of computers on society ad describes the extent of computer use. Other chapters consider the disparities in computer use between various countries, as well as the degree to which various countries are able to share in the market for computer products and services. This book discusses as well the factors that led to the rapid and widespread adoption of computers. The final chapter deals with the effects of automation, computers, and technology. This book is a valuable resource for computer science students and research workers.

For managers, consultants, researchers, vendors of BPR and academics.

The Social Impact of Computers should be read as a guide to the social implications of current and future applications of computers. Among the basic themes presented are the following: the changing nature of work in response to technological innovation as well as the threat to jobs; personal freedom in the machine age as manifested by challenges to privacy, dignity, and work; the relationship between advances in computer and communications technology and the possibility of increased centralization of authority; and the emergence and influence of artificial intelligence and its role in decision-making, especially in military applications. The book begins with background and historical information on computers and technology. Separate chapters then cover major applications: business, medicine, education, government; major social issues, including crime, privacy, work; and new technologies and problems: industry regulation, electronic funds transfer systems, international competition, national industrial policies, robotics and industrial automation, productivity, the information society, videotex. The final chapter discusses issues associated with ethics and professionalism. The material presented should be accessible to most university students who have had an introductory course in computer science. Self taught or sufficiently motivated individuals who have gained an understanding of how computers operate should also profit from this book. Especially useful are backgrounds in sociology, economics, history, political science, or philosophy.

Finely-focused on the technology-society connection, this unique book presents the methods and theories available for exploring the effects of technology on our lives--past, present, and future. A three part organization presents chapters under three main headings that look at: The Nature of Technology: Foundations, Methods of Study, and then a Conclusion. Chapter topics include Creativity and Innovation: The Critical Link; Economics and Cultural Impetus; An Idea Whose Time Has Come; The Cause and Effect of Technology and Society; Modeling, Simulations, and Gaming; Systems Behavior: The Universal Laws; Diversity, Randomness, and Systemic Integrity; Catastrophe Theory: The Plague of Technological Complexity; and The Systemic Models. A primer that gives investigators the necessary intellectual tools to begin their own research into the field.