Hackers: Harmful or Helpful?

The notion of hackers is a relatively new one; this is because the internet is relatively new. Hackers use the internet as their personal playground exploring the net and looking for new and innovative ways to interact with the internet. The name hacker is usually associated negatively; hackers have been seen as cyber criminals that patrol the internet reeking havoc at every turn. These types of hackers are called black hat hackers, they are notorious to breaking into large corporation’s website and causing trouble that leads to economic losses. The intent of these hackers is nothing more than to disturb the status quo, and cause problems for large corporations that they feel deserve to be messed with.

On the other side of the equation are white hat hackers. These hackers are seen as a positive influence on the internet. They are often hired by corporations to test the integrity of their websites, and make sure that other hackers cannot crack the code, break into the system and cause a disruption to business. The most famous example of a white hat hacker would probably have to be Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple computers. Wozniak began hacking after he dropped out of college with his friend Steve Jobs. The two took their technological prowess and invested it into creating the first fully functional personal computer. Another famous example of a white hat hacker is Tim Berners-Lee, who is most popularly famed with creating the internet. Both Wozniak and Berners-Lee are examples of white hat hackers who have propelled technology forward, and created advancements in technology that have led to our current technologically advanced society. This website provides information on the most infamous black and white hat hackers of our time http://www.itsecurity.com/features/top-10-famous-hackers-042407/ .

While some hackers use their technological superiority to disturb the status quo and upset society, others use these skills in a positive way to help advance society and make improvements to technologies. The website http://www.hacker.org/ is an example of a site that promotes the uses of hacking in a positive manner. The site is a collection of games where hackers have to create their own computer generated players and compete against other hackers to win the game. This is an example of hackers using their technological superiority for good rather than evil. The site provides a socially acceptable way for hackers to improve their skills and put them to use in a positive effective manner. The website http://lifehacker.com/ is also another example of a hacker website that employs the positive use of hacking. This website provides valuable information and recommendations on technological products that the majority of citizens have no idea about. Therefore this site provides a valuable social function by creating a forum where people can discuss the best and worst features of new products; it informs the average citizen and helps them in their purchasing decisions.

Overall it all comes down to the personal choices a hacker has to make. The decision to serve society in a useful way or disrupt society is a personal one. We as a society can only hope that there will be a greater emergence of white hat hackers that serve a valuable social function, and as such will drive technology forward. Hackers can be seen as the engine that drives technological advancements forward, or as the sludge in the engine that causes your car to break down. As society comes to better understand hackers I feel there will be an emergence of the white hat hackers, because the work of a hacker will be valued rather than regarded as a social ill.

Until next time keep exploring social relations

- The Ubiquitous Civilian

Comment, Judge, Particpate

This past Tuesday night, March 9^th, I was sitting at home watching The Daily Show with John Stewart, as I usually do Monday through Thursday nights. This show was particularly interesting because of the guest speaker that Stewart had on, Marc Theissen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Thiessen. Theissen is the author of the book Courting Disaster: How the CIA Kept America Safe and How Barack Obama Is Inviting the Next Attack, in which he essentially defends the torture techniques used by officials at Guantanamo bay. He defends the use of torture because he thinks that these techniques have provided the US with valuable information, which in turn have stopped future terrorist attacks. As per usual Jon Stewart provides opposition to this view, which in turn leads to a heated debate. Throughout the interview the two constantly interrupt each other, leading Theissen to believe that he did not get his point across. Stewart then turns to the internet as a way to continue on the debate.

What is important here is what Stewart said when stating that the interview can be carried on using the internet. He made direct reference to the interactive participatory nature of the internet, where people can judge and comment on the video, thus expressing their own unique opinions on the subject. The interview can be watched on this link http://www.thecomedynetwork.ca/Displayblog.aspx?bpid=e18d08ca-8621-4322-bbe6-f860dbee413d, also on this link is the extended interview that only aired over the internet. The internet as a medium is extremely useful in this case because it allowed for a continuation of the show, in which uncut, uncensored material could be viewed and commented upon.

The fact that Stewart turned to the internet as a medium is important to note because it marks a transition, in which mainstream media is starting to realize the capabilities the internet provides. The participatory nature of the internet is important to shows like The Daily Show because it is political in nature, and everyone has their own opinion when it comes to politics. The internet, through sites such as YouTube, allow viewers to express their thoughts through the comment function, and as such allows for the formation of distinct communities where people with the same outlook on life can meet and share ideas. The connective style of writing inherent is blogging is a prime example of this. I found a blog posting on the huffington post discussing this same issue. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/10/marc-thiessen-jon-stewart_n_493218.html.

The internet is also interesting to observe in this regard because of the quick response time. Literally right after the show people on the internet where discussing the extended interview, which was posted immediately after it was completed. This quick response time and the participatory nature of the internet has stirred an interest in conventional media outlets, such as television, looking to reach a new generation of viewers that want to become active participants rather than passive receptors. The active participant is a defining feature of our current society, and this is being realized by mainstream media outlets that are trying to tap into this new generation of internet savvy citizens. This instance on The Daily Show only marks the beginning of a transition that will be happening right before our very eyes.

Until next time keep Expanding Societies Regulations

- The Ubiquitous Civilian