Computers and Social Choice.

Harold Sackman

Expert InsightsPublished 1972

A review of four areas where significant work is in progress in determining the direction of computers in society: social problems, education, the individual, and regulatory issues. Social effects of computer services are discussed in terms of international, economic, environmental, and humanistic problems. Conclusions are: (1) Mission-oriented computer users in a particular problem area are best able to systematically add to knowledge and capability in the application of computers in their particular domain. (2) Educational research is shifting from computer-aided instruction to making sources of knowledge more accessible to students. (3) Introductory courses are needed at all school levels to develop readiness for the era of mass information utilities. (4) The new individualism that will inevitably emerge from the impact of computer services must be shaped by society, not the marketplace. (5) Professional certification, user safeguards, and public utility regulation should be vigorously pursued by the computer world in recognition of its obligation to society. 20 pp. Ref.

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Sackman, Harold, Computers and Social Choice. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1972. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P4915.html.
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