3 ms·

I'm sure he _knows_ how to drive. Its getting to the point where not being able to use a computer has the same impact as not knowing how to read.

by sjf 10y ago

freehunter 10y ago
I don't think that's true anymore. If anything we're getting past the point where not knowing how to use a computer is harmful. Smartphones and tablets have really lowered the barrier to entry for modern (high-tech) life. Desktop operating systems are complex and hard and if you do the wrong thing, you can break everything. Mobile OSes don't give you those options.
- sjf 10y ago
  I should have said technology instead of computer, I would include smart phone under a broad definition of 'computing device'.
- uabstraction 10y ago
  "Smartphones and tablets have really lowered the barrier to entry for modern (high-tech) life." This is true - however these devices have also completely taken away our computational freedom as well. In fact, I'd argue that computer literacy is more important than ever. The only thing that has changed is that now society suffers as a whole from computer illiteracy, instead of just the computer illiterate. They can still post cat photos on social media, but a growing segment of the population has no idea how any of this works, and is at the mercy of Microsoft, Google, Apple, Facebook, Zynga, etc. As someone who grew up with computers and started making Doom maps when I was 8, and programming C++ on Linux when I was 14, I see this trend as an oncoming storm. Its as if we were replacing libraries with cable television. Computers (phones and tablets specifically) are transforming from a platform that enables us to do anything we want, to a sort of Disneyland marketplace where nothing exists unless there is money to be made, regardless of ethics. I think its more important now than ever for people to understand how to identify and select legitimate software that doesn't have ulterior motives, and put together a system which serves no one but it's owner. I suppose this is exactly what TFA says is impossible, but damn is it important.

I'm sure he _knows_ how to drive. Its getting to the point where not being able to use a computer has the same impact as not knowing how to read.

by sjf 10y ago

I'm sure he _knows_ how to drive. Its getting to the point where not being able to use a computer has the same impact as not knowing how to read.

freehunter 10y ago

I don't think that's true anymore. If anything we're getting past the point where not knowing how to use a computer is harmful. Smartphones and tablets have really lowered the barrier to entry for modern (high-tech) life. Desktop operating systems are complex and hard and if you do the wrong thing, you can break everything. Mobile OSes don't give you those options.

sjf 10y ago
I should have said technology instead of computer, I would include smart phone under a broad definition of 'computing device'.
uabstraction 10y ago
"Smartphones and tablets have really lowered the barrier to entry for modern (high-tech) life." This is true - however these devices have also completely taken away our computational freedom as well. In fact, I'd argue that computer literacy is more important than ever. The only thing that has changed is that now society suffers as a whole from computer illiteracy, instead of just the computer illiterate. They can still post cat photos on social media, but a growing segment of the population has no idea how any of this works, and is at the mercy of Microsoft, Google, Apple, Facebook, Zynga, etc. As someone who grew up with computers and started making Doom maps when I was 8, and programming C++ on Linux when I was 14, I see this trend as an oncoming storm. Its as if we were replacing libraries with cable television. Computers (phones and tablets specifically) are transforming from a platform that enables us to do anything we want, to a sort of Disneyland marketplace where nothing exists unless there is money to be made, regardless of ethics. I think its more important now than ever for people to understand how to identify and select legitimate software that doesn't have ulterior motives, and put together a system which serves no one but it's owner. I suppose this is exactly what TFA says is impossible, but damn is it important.