The Effects of Computers on Society

Paper Summary:

The paper examines two articles; "Isolated by the Internet" by Clifford Stoll and "Cyberspace and Identity" by Sherry Turkle and posits that both Stoll and Turkle seem to focus too heavily on the most negative interpretation of the data available. The paper explains Stoll's views on computer use and the quality and character of friendship, depression, anxiety, social isolation, passivity, repressed rage, shyness and addiction. The paper then explores Turkle's prespective on computer use and the multiple personality theory. The paper contends that while certain patterns of computer use may indeed be associated with psychological dysfunction, the assertion that the use of computers to fulfill social needs necessarily causes or reflects psychological dysfunction or social deterioration is unfounded.

Outline:
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Stoll on Computer Use and the Quality and Character of Friendship
Stoll on Computer Use and Depression, Anxiety, and Social Isolation
Stoll on Computer Use and Passivity, Repressed Rage, and Shyness
Stoll on Computer Use and Addiction
Turkle on Computer Use and Multiple Personality Theory
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Clifford Stoll and Sherry Turkle present two very negative analyses of the social impact of computer technology on society. In Isolated by the Internet, Stoll focuses on the findings of an isolated study in which 256 subjects were provided with computers and Internet connections in conjunction with which researchers tracked their time spent on-line for the next two years. Stoll reports increased incidence of depression, anxiety, and social isolation, tied directly to the amount of time the subjects spent on the Internet. Stoll presents the findings of the research as a conclusion that computer use corresponds to the deterioration of social comfort and interpersonal communication and social skills, and also suggests that the other fast-paced, high-tech aspects of modern technology is detrimental to society and to the individual."

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