Technology has changed all our lives for the better. Or has it? If it weren't for all of the advances in technology we would still be plowing our fields by mule or oxen and we would return home to some makeshift tent or cave dwelling. Over the history of the earth man has continually strived to improve his living conditions through innovation. The most influential invention in my lifetime would have to be the internet. On a daily basis I am able to wirelessly transfer data to and from my laptop where I can read unlimited amounts of information, or turn in a digital copy of my homework. Living in this day and age is amazing, and if you don't realize that then you need to take a look around.
The one pervasive drawback to all of the advances in technology is the widespread access to pornography on the internet. On several occasions this year I have been shown an appropriate YouTube video in class only to be exposed to the dreaded "related videos." How is a seminar about achieving your childhood dreams any way related to an immodestly dressed Chinese girl? I am fed up with this unwanted exposure to pornographic material. Google, in all its greatness and glory, has been a downright failure in this aspect. Even when watching videos with "Safety Mode" enabled, these inappropriate videos inevitably seem to filter through. It is time that Google provided a family safe YouTube.
The problem is that pornography is just more profitable than providing a safe internet experience. Until that changes or someone is willing to invest the time to do so we may never see that change.
ReplyDeleteThis seems a like an unexpected great place to make a Steve Jobs reference. If people focused on ethical values and great products, profitability would come. It is possible to simultaneously make money and be a good person.
DeleteAnother problem is that computers cannot recognize whether images are pornographic based on pixel values alone. Youtube would have to pick up other clues (tags, etc.) in order to know that the video should be filtered.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's hard to really "filter" content, since what is bad is not only subjective, but detecting bad content is also largely dependant upon user feedback. It would be hard for any company, even one like Google, to completely filter their content so that there's a guarantee that nothing bad will get through.
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