ICT: The World of Pervasive Computing
Two very different but equally interesting projects are being prepared in the Millennium Youth Camp ICT group.
The ICT group at the Headquarters of Nokia.
Adina Nedelcu, Romania, outlined Descartes, one of the projects in the ICT group, as an essay that aims to raise awareness regarding pervasive computing and the ethical problems that this new branch of technology has created. Pervasive computing, also known as ubiquitous computing, is the name of a very recent phenomenon, where microprosessors are embedded in everyday objects, making them ”intelligent”. Anything from clothes, to home appliances to furniture could contain technology that would make them more useful and engaging.
According to Adina, however, this kind of development could also create serious threats. Security and privacy issues have already become central in computer ethics discussions, with Facebook making headlines by sharing personal information to advertisers. Another problem is whether or not this everyday technology will lead to alienation and loss of social networks.
There are obvious upsides also, most notably in health care and education, but the project’s purpose is to display pervasive computing as a whole and not necessarily take a stand. Adina’s own vision is clear, nevertheless: ”Technology should be a tool, not something that controls you.”
The other project involves location-based social media and a program designed by the group for the mobile phone platform Android. The idea, according to Wenlei Dai, Finland, is to add a location function to existing social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. As the number of mobile phones and other portable devices has increased over the years, it has become easier to stay connected with the internet, and the group has decided to use this to their advantage.
The program, originally developed by Nishida Jun, Japan, gives users the ability to update their location on their mobile phone as they update their Facebook profile. The application will simply shows other users your location when you want to share it. The project is still fresh, but the team hopes to expand their scope in the future.
Toni Kaario is a second year student at Aalto University School of Science and Technology. He loves reading non-fiction books, and has a knack for asking the right questions.