As new computing systems come out people will change how they go about their day-to-day buisness to take advantage of new technology. Companies like AMazon and Instacart have changed the way many people show and continue to change lifestyles.

Popcorn hack #1

• Explain how an acclerometer is used on phones v. automobiles?

Accelerometers in phones are used to detect the orientation of the device in space. They can determine if the device is in portrait or landscape mode, which allows the screen to automatically adjust accordingly. Gaming and Motion Controls: In mobile gaming, accelerometers enable motion-based interactions. For instance, tilting the phone can control the movement of a character or vehicle in a game.

Computing innovations have had great contributions to society, improving the quality of living. However, while computing innovations are typically designed to achieve a specific purpose, they may have unintended consequences.

Multirotor drones used for aerial photography and surveillance (Used by ASB for the social media accounts!)

Benefits

• Deliveries of packages
• Easy aerial photography

Harmful

• Flying in unregulated zones in illegal and dangerous
• Privaacy concerns

Beneficial Effects of computing

• Machines have vastly improves the medical field, saving many lives
• Engineers take advantage of computing innovation to collect data and make work and buisnesses more efficeint.
• The artistic world has also benifited from new ways to create, share, and sell creative works.

Harmul Effects of Computing Inovations

• Computiong innovation can also hurt people
  • ex: Cyber-Bullying
• loss of provacy, and use of provate information gathered by companies
• Dependence on technology and new innovation like chatgpt without liearning key things like researching on your own.
• Replacments of humans by computing inovation leading to the loss of previously existing jobs, economic harship for the now-unemployed workers

A great example of a beneficial computing machine would be 3D printers

• Open-source software for the computer and printer
• Used in schools and at homes (New classes have been developed for the education of 3D printing)
• 3D printers can be used for a variety of applications, creating published models

Key points to remember:

• not every effect of computing innovation is anticipated in advance
• A single effect can be viewed as both harmful and beneficial by different people or even by the same person.

Popcorn hack #2

They result in Connectivity and Communication, but also Misinofmtation/Fake News

Unintended Uses

• Responsible programmers try to consider the unintended ways their computing innovations can be used and the potential beneficial and harmful effects
• It is impossible for programmers to consider all the ways a new computing innovation can be used
• Rapid sharing of a program with large number of users can result in significant impacts beyond intended purpose or control of programmer
• Job displacement: automation leads to job loss or changes in employment patterns

Examples

• Internet - Originally for scientists spreading information
• Now, many people spend more time browsing the internet than they do sleeping

  Questions

  Can you imagine your life without the World Wide Web? How different would the world be? How would you reallocate your free time?

Negative Effects

Microtransactions

- "Free" Games and Apps
- Cosmetics, paywall to function, sometimes pay-to-win
    - Watermark removal 
    - In game currency 
    - Unlockable content
    - Subscriptions 
    - Cosmetics (ie. Fortnite skins)
- SBUX with Starbucks 
    - Other businesses can't compete 
    - "Casino Effect"

Casino Effect 
    - Progression Systems 
    - Visual and Sound Cues
    - Social Engagement and Competition

Loot Boxes (Banned in certain countries)
    - Loot boxes are in-game reward systems found in many video games. They typically offer players a chance to obtain virtual items or rewards, often with varying levels of rarity or value. These boxes can be earned through gameplay or purchased using real money.

    Dicussion and/or ban on loot boxes in the following:

        - Belgium
        - Netherlands
        - China
        - Japan 
        - South Korea
        - United States 

Dopamine Feedback Loops

Dopamine acts on areas of the brain to give you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. Dopamine also has a role to play in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement and other body functions.

Ex.

• Getting a like from someone you admire on Instragram
• People commenting on your posts

These things make you feel happy. This makes you seek this feeling of validation and happiness, always wanting to get that next hit of dopamine. This makes you spend more time on the applications (mainly social media), further increasing your dependancy.

Have you ever found yourself scrolling on TikTok, Instragram Reels or any other forms of short entertainment?

• These applications are targeted to keep you hooked; you can scroll on the video instantaneously, until you find that video that makes your dopamine receptors fire

Leads to:

• Sleep deprivation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Loneliness

Always be concious about the amount of screen time you spend. You don’t have to cut it out of your life completely, but try to keep it in moderation.

What I Learned Review Ticket - Personal Reflection on Lesson: 5.1 Beneficial and Harmful Effects of Computing Innovations

Date of Lesson: December 4, 2023

Duration of Lesson: Approximately 4 minutes

My Thoughts and Learnings:

This lesson exploring the impacts of computing innovations resonated deeply with me. It was eye-opening to see how technology, meant for specific purposes, can significantly shape our lives, often in unexpected ways.

Fascinating Points:

Real-world Scenarios: The discussion on Amazon, Instacart, and how they’ve revolutionized lifestyles truly captivated my interest. I found the example of multirotor drones for deliveries and aerial photography particularly interesting showcasing the evolution of everyday practices. I liked how there were many real-world examples of technology.

Diving into Effects: What struck me most was the contrast between the incredible advancements in medicine, business efficiency, and creative fields against the darker side, like cyberbullying and job displacement due to technological shifts. It made me reflect on the double-edged nature of innovation.

Engaging Exploration: The “Popcorn hacks” were a unique and engaging approach that I found highly effective. Explaining topics like accelerometers and the dichotomy of effects - Connectivity versus Misinformation - in such a practical manner was enlightening.

Key Learnings:

Unintended Consequences: The lesson reiterated that while technology brings immense benefits, its unintended consequences demand attention. It made me more aware of the responsibility that comes with technological advancements. I think there is a huge constrast between beneficial/harmful effects.

Complexities of Innovation: I learned that computing innovations aren’t just black and white; they’re a blend of positives and negatives. It’s crucial to navigate this intricate landscape with careful consideration.

Personal Takeaway:

This lesson made me realize that embracing technology’s positives while understanding its potential downsides is crucial. It’s not just about enjoying the benefits but also being mindful of its impact on our lives and society.

Recommendation:

Overall, I found this lesson highly informative and engaging.