Position Paper on How Computers Change the Way Human Thinks

Introduction

Beginning from the invention of Microsoft to the revolutionary change of

computers through the success of multimedia and the internet, it has become an
obvious reason how Humans are dependent on computers. But the absolute truth is
Human changes how human thinks. In a drama series called “Melancholia,” it
shows how artificial intelligence would not have infinite abilities—even in the
future. “Artificial intelligence will only be able to perform wonders that are limited
to the formula and data that humans input into their system.” The interpretation of
the notion is that Humans is the one who changes how human thinks. The
superiority of computers over humans is an apocryphal story.

This paper has three parts: the first one contextualizes the algorithm of
computers and why humans are strapped on them. The second addresses the
purpose of computers, and how Human makes the computer a medium. The final
section lays out the recommendation on how to not fall in the algorithm.

The Algorithm: A Great Deceiver to Human Thinking

We often see ourselves playing and seeing the same context we had watched
on YouTube or TikTok; for instance, when we watch Duterte’s accomplishments
on YouTube, we would likely see more of it on the suggestion box, or, most
especially, on the homepage. This instance would take away the objectiveness of
our thinking because the algorithm pushes away the opposite of the videos. The
same goes when we watch troll-made videos on YouTube (that audio that sounds
automated), it instills us that it is the truth because the same context and videos
appear repeatedly thus the person who watches it will eventually believe because
knowing a lie, without knowing the truth, a million times, will turn out as truth.
Because of the superiority and the subjectiveness of the algorithm.
 The Pew Research Center says, “Humanity and human judgment are lost
when data and predictive modeling become paramount” and the article added that
the algorithm produces a manipulation. “The fact the internet can, through
algorithms, be used to almost read our minds means [that] those who have access
to the algorithms and their databases have a vast opportunity to manipulate large
population groups,” (TPRC, n.d).

The algorithm mainly deceives people’s thinking. Humans should better

investigate and have a critical mind to dissolve and break the negative impacts of
the algorithm. An article made by Rappler supports my argument that the
algorithm helps people to sheer their minds away from objectiveness and truth,
“The act of sharing also lends credibility to a post: When other people see it, they
register that it was shared by someone they know and presumably trust at least a
bit, and are less likely to notice whether the original source is questionable.” A
research conducted by Professor Anjana Susarla supports the negative impact of
algorithm, “a vast majority of platforms do not provide either such flexibility to
their end-users or the right to choose how the algorithm uses their preferences in
curating their news feed or in recommending their content. If there are options,
users may not know about them. About 74% of Facebook’s users said in a survey
that they were not aware of how the platform characterizes their personal
interests.”

The Purpose of Computer and Internet

Computer aims to connect humans by exchanging, and storing data. In an

article published by Sandra Vogel, an IT writer, she described, through a counter-
argument that the internet is the complete opposite version of television. In
internet, it allows you to absorb information in a one-way interaction and allows a
more explorative approach.

Recommendation to Fight Negative Algorithm

Human’s positive creations and intentions have led to negative consequences

through the effects of the algorithm of computers. The best thing a person could do
is know how an algorithm works, to be literate on critical thinking. One must value
the essence of true information. Humans’ understanding and thinking have resulted
in the paradigms of the outcome of the computer. The loss of connection between
the interaction of humans has changed because of Computers.

The unintended consequences of computer algorithm have harnessed the way

a human thinks and the way they respond to situations. This event has led to
societal dividedness. Humans, being the developers of computers and of the
revolutionary age of information, should be held responsible in the outcomes that
must be considered. Even if there is one algorithm on a one piece of information, it
affects thousands of minds—and that is what the developers look after. The realm
of thoughts of humans depends on what they see, observe, and learn. Knowing the
weight of the negative impacts of computers could potentially shift the narrow
critical thinking and way how humans think.