Impacts of Digital Technology on Wider Society Flashcards

All 7 cards in this deck

What is meant by the digital divide?

The gap between people who have access to digital technology and the internet and those who do not.

What is a privacy issue in computing?

A concern about personal data being copied, transmitted or accessed without authorisation, e.g. tracking, data collection or surveillance.

What is e-waste?

Electronic waste — devices and components thrown away when they are replaced, often containing toxic materials that are hard to recycle.

True or false? The digital divide is an environmental issue.

False. It is a cultural issue — environmental issues are about energy use, raw materials, e-waste and recycling.

What are the steps to answer an 8-mark question discussing the impact of a company's decision?

e.g. a phone company makes cheaper phones that need replacing more often

1. Benefit and drawback for the company: more sales and profit, but reputation may fall.
2. Benefit and drawback for the customers: cheaper to buy, but less reliable and more time/cost replacing them.
3. Cover each issue asked for and conclude: e.g. ethical (are customers told?) and environmental (more e-waste), then give a supported judgement.

What is meant by an ethical issue in computing?

A moral concern about the use of computers, such as whether something is right or fair for the people affected.
e.g. keeping the public safe, protecting data from unauthorised access

Give one ethical issue raised by driverless cars.

Their safety for passengers, other drivers and pedestrians (and who is responsible if there is a crash).