The emergence of netcentric computing and social computing

Social Computing and Netcentric Computing

Social Computing

There is no doubt that computers and the ways that computers are being incorporated into our lives are radically changing certain aspects of social behavior. Today, it is universally common for everyone to "Google" new acquaintances, employees, coworkers, neighbors, professors, and anybody else about whom we wish to know more than what may be apparent on the surface. Likewise, the newest forms of social media have made the cyber-universe a new realm in which many of us maintain whole parts of our personal identities that may differ from our real-world identities. We maintain online social circles and extensive connections with others without necessarily ever meeting them in person. Alternatively, we may simply use the cyber medium as a way of expanding the types of interactions we share with people who are already part of our lives. Sometimes, we may even establish intimate relationships online that carry over to the so-called "real world."

The prospect of combining real-world and cyber-world interactions can also complicate our lives, especially when people use the computer medium to exploit the fact that it may be possible to deceive other more easily in that realm than in face-to-face interactions. For that reason, it makes perfect sense to develop countermeasures such as software applications that help identify deceitful cues online the same way we can recognize dishonesty in person. There is nothing invasive about that concept, especially since it only affects those who might be trying to take advantage of others in the first place. In general, the computer medium provides myriad applications to improve human life and it is only a small number of people who necessitate the development of applications to prevent deception and exploitation. However, the development of such capabilities is no different, in principle, than the use of door lock to protect one's home against the small percentage of people who might otherwise commit burglary.

Netcentric Computing

The biggest challenge for the professionals who build, plan for, and invest in new computer systems and applications is correctly anticipating the future trends in consumer behavior and use of computer technology. Those who predict future behavior and demand for products and services correctly can profit tremendously from their planning; conversely, those who invest in technologies or applications based on assumptions or expectations that never materialize run the risk of losing their entire investment. In that respect, the computer realm is no different from the decisions and projections made in traditional types of businesses. It may just seem different by virtue of the accelerated rate of computer evolution and development and the fact that some of the specific new technologies and capabilities become so widely and rapidly adopted that they can change society practically overnight.