📓3.2: Impact of Program Design

Table of Contents


📖 This page is a condensed version of CSAwesome Topic 3.2


Impacts of Computing

Computing innovations affect the economy, society, and culture in both positive and negative ways. Understanding these impacts helps us create technology that benefits people while minimizing harm.


Examples of Positive Impacts

  • Communication: Instant messaging, video calls, and social media connect people worldwide.
  • Healthcare: AI-assisted diagnostics, telemedicine, and health tracking devices improve outcomes.
  • Education: Online learning platforms expand access to knowledge.

Examples of Negative Impacts

  • Privacy concerns: Personal data collection and misuse.
  • Job displacement: Automation reducing demand for certain roles.
  • Digital divide: Unequal access to technology and the internet.

Ethical Considerations

Programmers and tech companies have a responsibility to consider:

  • Bias in algorithms
  • Environmental effects of manufacturing and disposing devices
  • Security risks from poorly designed systems

Open Access and Sharing

Some computing innovations use open source models, allowing anyone to view, use, and improve the code. This promotes collaboration but may raise security and intellectual property concerns.


Example: GPS

  • Positive impact: Enables precise navigation for individuals, businesses, and emergency services.
  • Negative impact: Can be used for unwanted tracking and privacy invasion.

Summary

  • Computing impacts can be positive or negative in economic, social, and cultural contexts.
  • Ethical issues like bias, privacy, and security must be considered.
  • Open source encourages collaboration but introduces risks.

AP Practice

Question</summary>

Which of the following is an example of a negative impact of computing?

  • A. Improved global communication
  • B. Increased job opportunities in the tech sector
  • C. Unequal access to technology ✅
  • D. Faster data processing

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Acknowledgement

Content on this page is adapted from Runestone Academy - Barb Ericson, Beryl Hoffman, Peter Seibel.