Technology Misuse or a Lack of Common Sense -

While having lunch today, I was reading an article by Eric Zeman of Information Week Titled “Cell Phone Driving Ban: Good Idea?” and the thought crossed my mind that this is perhaps not a misuse but lack of common sense in relation to use of great technology which caused the government to react and take the actions it is now taking. The article points out that this week, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) voted to ban cell phone use for any purpose, while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. It further cites that the Governors Highway Safety Association indicates distractions caused by smartphones can be tied to 25% of automobile accidents in the United States. So once again, the government has to step in and protect us from ourselves when it comes to technology. The next step is that each State will now have to address this issue individually using the NTSB ruling as a guideline. In essence, we will likely have 50 different though similar variations.

I recall something similar happening in the 1970’s to early 1980’s with Citizens Band (CB) radios where there was a proposed ban on these as well for the same reason in that it was deemed a distraction that would cause accidents. This was overturned. Of course the technology of today is far more advanced and the levels of distraction are much greater than ever before. I admit, I am one who has taken calls while driving, though I will add to this that I use a hands-free Bluetooth option built into my car. While I have never found a situation so compelling that I absolutely must text someone while driving, rather than text, I will likely call the person, after all it is still a phone is it not?

In my view this is a prime example of how common sense is set aside and technology pushed to the forefront. It is also an example of how technology has made an impact on societal expectations that we should be connected 24/7 and available to respond at a moment’s notice. There was a time when instant response was not the norm and it was acceptable for an 8–24 hour delay in response based on the severity of the situation. Do we really need legislation to tell us what common sense should have? Do we need the threat of fines and prison hanging over our heads for using one of the greatest enhancements to communications since the telephone was invented? Or do we just need to agree that driving and texting is not such a great idea and not do it? (Apparently we have not been able to do the latter.)

As an organization, you will now be faced with addressing mobile use by the workforce in ways you may not have considered. Your governance policy may now have to include appropriate use in relation to travel, driving and other aspects of business related activity. You may have to include references to responsible use and payment of damages in cases where policy is not followed. Imagine that a sales person, eager to close the deal, is on the phone while heading to the airport and causes an accident. This person is cited as the cause due to cell phone use. Who pays the fine if the call was business related? These are but a few things that in my view are common sense issues and areas where individuals must be held responsible and accountable. Be prepared for change as additional legislation is on the horizon and you may have to address it 50 different ways.

If you are ready to move forward and are finding yourself stuck or unfocused and are not sure where to begin or what to do next, seek professional assistance and/or training to get you started.

What say you? Do you have a story to tell? What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you have a topic of interest you would like discussed in this forum? Let me know.

Comments

Technology, Behavior, and Government

Submitted by John Phillips January 04, 2012 - 1:08 PM

Bob,

Your observations seem right on target to me. We are going to experience increasing challenges regarding to what extent technology can be used or misused by either government entities or private individuals. Much of the debate however, will arise from diverse political perspectives. One side will say we need to be protected from ourselves while the other side says the government needs to stay out of an individual's right to make their own decisions and be responsible about the results.

These divergent political perspectives span an enormous spectrum of opinions that range from the Patriot Act’s legitimacy to regulation of cell phone use to the use of drones in warfare abroad. But the unfolding unintentional consequences of regulating the private sector use of technologies for their own personal use definitely will have broad and often unforeseeable issues. For instance, if it’s OK (according to legislation and some government “officials”) to use voice operated hands free cell phones within cars, then someone will demand government “standards” – which the populace must pay through taxes to have developed and enforced. We are already debating the appropriateness of manufacturers installing computer chips in cars that automatically create records of operational data, which insurance companies may demand prior to issuing settlement checks. What’s next – government standards for email system operations to assure we can be audited more easily some day?

As more technologies are available for use by individuals, as well as for monitoring personal behavior there will be a growing need to differentiate between oversight and intrusion, as well as, mandated behavior and personal responsibility. It seems to me this is becoming especially true with respect to the use of Social Media where records are being created and expected behavioral norms can be debated by employers.

John

Report

Was this helpful? Yes No

Well said!

Submitted by Bob Larrivee January 04, 2012 - 2:39 PM

John, this is so on the money yet many cannot see it coming or fail to accept it all exists. You mentioned the monitoring of our driving habits and reluctance to have them installed in cars yet many are accepting the offer from Progressive to have their little device installed so they can be monitored to get a discount. Imagine what would happen if they were told their driving is bad and instead they will be handed an increase in costs for insurance.

The thing I think is most challenging is that technology will advance and become a more embedded part of our corporate and social fabric. It is now. It is also blending personal and worklife to the degree some cannot distinguish one from another nor do they understand the impact it could have in their future. Even more challenging is that some folks I talk with tell me none of this matters. Several people over the holidays told me as far as they are concerned, there is no difference and that what they do in their lives, wheter it is in business or socially, is up to them.

As techonlogy advances, and we choose to use it, we must also accept responsibility in how it is used and accountability when things go wrong. While at my local car dealer waiting for service to be done, a sales person trying to sell me a newer version pointed out that I could now get infrared cameras to detect animals and people up to 1/2 mile away and that it will show on the screen in my dashboard. While I find it intruiging and potentially useful, I would also have to find the discipline look away from it and keep an eye on the road.

In the end, there is a level of responsibility that has to be part of the total equation no matter what we do or choose to use. There are many times I see women putting on lipstick at 70 miles an hour or a guy shaving and even people reading newspapers. Do we need to legislate a ban on all of these too? No. We just need to use common sense and of course, watch out for the other guy.

Report

Was this helpful? Yes No

This post and comment(s) reflect the personal perspectives of community members, and not necessarily those of their employers or of AIIM International

The Global Community of Information Professionals

Community

Technology Misuse or a Lack of Common Sense

Rate Post

Add a Comment

Comments

Blog Search

Information in Motion

Remove Paper. Improve Business

Paper-free Process Revolution

Latest Comments

Get The Research

Grow Your Expertise

Expand Your Network