Computer Myths essays

Computer Myths essays Langdon Winner wrote Mthinformation: Romantic Politics in the Computer revolution in 1984, many years before the millions who own personal computers and widespread use of the Internet. In this essay, Winner is trying to convey the message that computers will not produce a better world. Winner stated that current dreams of a computer age stand out as exaggerated and unrealistic, which in my opinion, is a false statement and proves that Winner is a bad prophet. Winner does not believe in all the myths computer scientists and journalists say (in fact, some of the myths came true), so Winner feels it is his duty to inform the public about the lies and negative aspects of computers. Although Winner has some validity to his statements, I believe he underestimated the functional use of computers. The computer does not play a major role at my site, Pawtucket House. In my estimation, most of the five computers in the house are for office use and the remaining two are for the children to play games on. I have never an adult or child resident use the computer. For safety reasons in releasing their whereabouts, I later found out the adult residents were not allowed to use the Internet. But this rule can be easily broken outside the house. I believe all the computers at Pawtucket House, fulfill their use and require no more tinkering with. I am very wary whether it is healthy or good for young children to use computers. Although, I am fortunate that it is not my generation growing up with computers, for I believe computers can be good and bad; one positive side is the Internet and e-mail, but a negative point of computers are the chat room and pornography addictions. Langdon Winners question was whether computers would produce a better world? Not a better world, but maybe a more convenient, assessable world. In 1984, Winner would have been amazed if had foreseen the 21st c...