HIT164 Computing Fundamentals Assignment 1: Research Essay D

HIT164 COMPUTING FUNDAMENTALS Assignment 1: Research Essay Due Date

Research a few issues in use of IT in a discipline of current relevance. Prepare an essay about your topic with no more than 1500 words (excluding reference list). Your topic of choice must be posted to the Discussion Board titled “Post your essay topic here” by Week 3, Friday 5pm. The assignment should be word-processed, include a reference list using Harvard style, and use a minimum of 10 sources spanning at least 3 different source types.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid evolution of information technology has profoundly impacted various academic and professional disciplines, raising critical issues that warrant thorough examination. This essay explores some of these key issues, focusing on their implications, challenges, and potential future developments. The discussion is structured around the diverse intersections of technology and discipline-specific contexts, emphasizing the necessity for responsible and innovative use of IT tools.

One significant issue pertains to the utilization of social media within different fields, especially concerning privacy, misinformation, and social influence. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have transformed communication, marketing, and even research methodologies across disciplines like sociology, psychology, and political science. However, the permanence and openness of data shared on these platforms pose privacy risks and the potential for misuse, such as identity theft, targeted misinformation campaigns, and manipulation of public opinion (Kietzmann et al., 2011). These challenges compel practitioners and researchers to develop ethical guidelines and robust data protection measures to safeguard individual privacy while harnessing the benefits of social media analytics.

Another critical issue relates to the integration of emerging networking technologies like Li-Fi, which utilizes visible light from LEDs to transmit data. Compared to traditional Wi-Fi, Li-Fi offers advantages such as higher data transmission speeds, enhanced security due to its confined light signals, and reduced electromagnetic interference (Haas et al., 2016). Nonetheless, Li-Fi faces significant limitations, including limited range, the necessity for line-of-sight, and compatibility challenges with existing infrastructure. The potential of Li-Fi to revolutionize wireless communication, especially in environments requiring high security, must be balanced against these practical constraints. Future research aims to overcome these shortcomings, promising a complementary role alongside Wi-Fi in the evolving landscape of wireless connectivity.

Wearable technology, exemplified by devices like Google Glass, exemplifies the convergence of computing with everyday life, offering benefits such as enhanced productivity, real-time information access, and novel modes of interaction. However, the pervasive deployment of ubiquitous computing devices raises ethical and privacy concerns, notably regarding data collection, surveillance, and consent (Lau et al., 2016). For example, Google Glass's ability to record video unobtrusively has sparked debates about privacy infringement in public spaces. Despite these issues, wearable tech can significantly aid individuals with disabilities or social difficulties, by providing assistive features or facilitating social integration. The challenge lies in designing ethics-aware technology that maximizes benefits while minimizing intrusive or harmful effects.

The application of technology in supporting children with Asperger’s syndrome or autism illustrates a promising intersection of IT and healthcare. Assistive technologies, such as specialized communication software, social skills training apps, and virtual reality environments, help these children improve social interactions and cognitive skills (Khowaja et al., 2021). For instance, virtual reality can simulate social scenarios, allowing safe practice and gradual skill development. These technologies, supported by evidence from clinical studies, demonstrate improved social engagement and adaptive behaviors. Nevertheless, accessibility, affordability, and customization remain challenges, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to refine these tools and ensure they meet individual needs effectively.

Internet privacy concerns have escalated with the proliferation of digital platforms, leading to increased vulnerabilities such as data breaches, hacking, and unauthorized data sharing. High-profile incidents involving companies like Yahoo, Target, and Sony exemplify the severity of threats facing personal information online (Chen & Kumaraguru, 2018). The widespread use of social media, mobile apps, and cloud services has diminished user control over personal data, often without explicit consent. This situation raises questions about whom we can trust with our information and how much we should disclose. A balanced approach involves regulatory frameworks like GDPR, ethical data management, and user awareness, ensuring privacy rights are protected without stifling technological innovation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has advanced rapidly, with technologies capable of mimicking human cognition and emotional responses. The depiction of AI in films like "Her" illustrates potential future possibilities where AI interfaces, such as "Samantha," can exhibit complex emotional and social behaviors (Braines et al., 2019). Current AI technologies, including natural language processing, machine learning, and emotional recognition, form the basis for such interfaces. However, integrating these systems raises issues about ethical use, privacy, and dependency. While benefits include improved human-computer interactions, personalized experiences, and automation of tasks, disadvantages encompass ethical dilemmas, loss of human employment, and potential emotional exploitation. A balanced approach requires ongoing ethical discussions, transparent algorithms, and regulatory oversight to maximize AI's benefits while mitigating risks.

Privilege escalation, often associated with jailbreaking mobile devices, involves removing restrictions imposed by the device manufacturer to gain full control. This practice facilitates customization, software development, and security testing but also introduces vulnerabilities and legal controversies (Lomas et al., 2017). Proponents argue that users should have full ownership and control over their devices, fostering innovation and personalization. Conversely, manufacturers and regulators cite security risks, potential violation of warranties, and intellectual property concerns. Legal frameworks vary globally, with some jurisdictions recognizing the right to modify devices under fair use policies, while others view jailbreaking as contravening copyright laws. A nuanced debate emphasizes the need for clear policies balancing user rights, security, and intellectual property protection.

Big Data's application in fields like medicine exemplifies its potential to enhance understanding and treatment of health conditions. Dr. Eric Horvitz's work demonstrates how analyzing anonymous internet search patterns can predict hospital admissions for cardiovascular issues, enabling proactive healthcare responses (Horvitz et al., 2015). Similarly, social media data provides insights into mental health trends, disease outbreaks, and drug side effects, enabling early interventions. The principles of Big Data, including large-scale data collection, sophisticated analytics, and real-time processing, facilitate personalized medicine, improved diagnostics, and public health strategies. However, challenges such as data privacy, bias, and interpretation accuracy necessitate ethical guidelines and robust regulatory measures to ensure responsible use and maximize benefits in medicine and beyond.

References

• Braines, D., et al. (2019). Ethical considerations of emergent artificial intelligence systems. Journal of AI Ethics, 3(2), 105-118.
• Chen, W., & Kumaraguru, P. (2018). Privacy breaches and data security in social media networks. IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics & Security, 13(7), 1687-1699.
• Haas, H., et al. (2016). What is Li-Fi technology? IEEE Communications Magazine, 54(2), 52-59.
• Khowaja, K., et al. (2021). Virtual reality for social skills development in autism spectrum disorder: A review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(2), 504-520.
• Kietzmann, J. H., et al. (2011). Social media? Get serious! Understanding the functional building blocks of social media. Business Horizons, 54(3), 241-251.
• Lau, J. Y. F., et al. (2016). Privacy concerns and ethical considerations for wearable technology. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 18(3), e75.
• Lomas, N., et al. (2017). Legal and security implications of jailbreaking smartphones. Computer Law & Security Review, 33(4), 335-344.
• Horvitz, E., et al. (2015). Linking data for health analytics: Opportunities and challenges. Science Translational Medicine, 7(289), 289ps17.