I.  Introduction

It is an honor to be asked to speak before you here at the Annual Technophobes Conference. I want to share with you a little bit about the “Dark Side of Computer-Based Technologies.” I’m sure that this is a topic that you, my technophobe friends have discussed on many occasions. My goal, however, is not to hyperbolize scare tactics through an Armageddon-like speech, but rather to address some of the issues and dangers that we face today with the flooding of technology in (no pun intended) virtually every aspect of our life. I plan on discussing a variety of topics such as; information overload, ethical and legal issues, crime risks and privacy threatened, as well as the inequalities of technology in our society. We will discuss the topics and reflect on ways that we can minimize our risk to the possible dangers that are out there.

II. Issue 1 – Information Overload

            1.  We have experienced an explosion of information, much of which is very useful and can benefit society.

            2. How much data is too much data? Computers and information technology is supposed to save us time.

            3. We need to critically decide what information is necessary and what is over-kill.

4. Keep in mind, that no matter how much information increases there will always be data to analyze and

criticize, but we still only have twenty-four hours in a day so use them wisely.

III. Issue 2 – Ethical and Legal Issues

            1. Computers are not able to help us act morally and ethically. We need to keep our guard up as well as our

ethical and moral standards.

            2. How should confidential information be handled in our world with almost everything being available online?

            3. Where do we draw the line as to what we allow on the internet and what we don’t allow or restrict?

            4. Are computers damaging children and/or taking the place of parents in our society?

IV. Issue 3 – Crime Risks and Privacy Threatened

            1. Hackers, viruses, and spyware can range anywhere from mildly annoying to down-right dangerous.

2. Take precautions such as installing anti-virus software, scan hard-drives and storage devices, don’t open

questionable emails.

            3. How do we know that we are not be watched, listened to, or having our emails checked? We don’t know so

be very careful and use caution and wisdom.

            4. Identity theft is so big that many police departments have their own identity theft units. Be careful in giving out

personal information and remember that even those who are very careful can sometimes get burned.

V.  Issue 4 – Inequalities of Technology “Digital Divide”

            1. We do live in a society divided digitally; we have the digital haves and the digital have not’s.

            2. If you work in a school district or community lacking technological resources, remember that there are grants

and organizations that will either donate or discount computers and computer-related technology to those in

need.

            3. The inequalities of technology extend into race and gender.

            4. Work toward not leaving any race, gender, or socio-economic class behind when it comes to technology. We

want Americans to all have the opportunity to extend the capabilities of their minds.

VI. Closing

I want to thank you once more for allowing me this opportunity to speak about the “Dark Side of Computer-Based Technologies.” As you know I am an educational technologist, so I must emphasize that even though we do need to take precautions and be aware of some of the dangers like information overload, ethical and legal issues, crime risks and privacy threatened, as well as the inequalities of technology in our society; we also need to understand that there are numerous benefits, both known and unknown, that come from the ever-changing and ever-increasing world of technology in which we live.