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
No comments:
Post a Comment