4 ms·

I think 90% of society would probably be better without having easy every day access to advanced computers. Let the HPC people keep running their physics and ch

• zippystrider 5y ago
  The drawbacks of accessible computing (e.g. shortened attention span, low-quality media consumption) are vastly outweighed by its potential to allow people social mobility and learn new skills they wouldn't have otherwise. If I were born in an era before computers and the internet, it's unlikely I would have experienced the best works of classical music and hip hop; explored poetry and the great classical books; and taught myself professional skills and improved academically with access to textbooks and online lecture courses. I suppose it's possible I could have looked for real-life pockets of communities where these are celebrated, went to a physical library, and asked for help at a community college. But more likely, I would've just copied what my family and peers were doing when I was younger and missed out on so much growth, because of a lack of connection to people passionate about these things that the internet provided.
  • kizer 5y ago
    The democratization of information and discussion is invaluable really. Comes with downsides, which have to be addressed of course.
• deleted 5y ago
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