Trapped in the Net: The Unanticipated Consequences of Computerization

Citation

Joseph, R.A. (1998), "Trapped in the Net: The Unanticipated Consequences of Computerization", Internet Research, Vol. 8 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/intr.1998.17208eaf.005

Trapped in the Net: The Unanticipated Consequences of Computerization

Trapped in the Net: The Unanticipated Consequences of Computerization

Gene I. Rochlin1997Princeton University PressPrinceton, NJ293 pp.ISBN 0-691-01080-3. Available from California Princeton Fulfillment Services, 1445 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing, New Jersey, 08618, USA. Tel +1 (609) 883-1759; Fax: +1 (609) 883-7413US $29.95

Keywords Information society, Internet

Trapped in the Net is an extremely good book. It is, as its title describes, about the unanticipated consequences of computerisation. The author, Gene Rochlin, a professor of energy and resources at the University of California, Berkeley, is well qualified to write about such matters since he has skills and knowledge drawn from both the technical and social sciences. It is this obvious strength of the author that both gives the book credibility and locates technical information systems in their right perspective ­ much more as social phenomena than as a purely technical one outside social influence.

In the scale of data, information, knowledge and wisdom, which are well-known to information technology professionals, Rochlin's book is firmly in the category of knowledge and wisdom. The central thesis of the book is that irreversible, and perhaps harmful, changes are being made to the way we conduct business and structure organisations as a result of the all too enthusiastic adoption of computers. To support this argument Rochlin draws on narratives from various fields such as the military, the financial sector and air traffic control (to name a few) which more than adequately show the scope and magnitude of the potential problems. The problem is that we are designing information systems that inherently structure the way we, as human beings, process and respond to information. The result is that we are exposing ourselves to unanticipated consequences as a result of this. Rochlin is less concerned with the impact on the individual directly (although this follows naturally from what he has to say) and more on the impact at the organisational and systematic level. This has implications for the global economy, which is underpinned by international networks for telecommunications and finance.

Rochlin builds his argument on three levels, which are interwoven throughout the book:

1. 1.

   He analyses the direct effects of the adoption of computers into communication. This is the theme that is often portrayed in the popular press ­ vast changes in capability and connectivity.

2. 2.

   He explores how these new technical opportunities have changed organisations and the way work is represented.

3. 3.

   He looks at the long-term systemic and societal implications of the introduction and reliance on computers.

It is really Rochlin's ability to "add-value" to the well-worn reviews of the impact of computers that makes the difference. The inclusions of the social parameters of power and organisational change are the essential ingredients that bring his argument to life.

The book consists of 12 chapters covering topics such as networks of connectivity, deskilling in the workplace, computer financial trading, expert operators (such as pilots and air traffic controllers) as well as a series of four chapters dealing with military themes. While they may seem to be disparate themes, Rochlin provides the necessary connections by providing an expertly written historical overview of the rise of the computer industry (Chapter 2) as well as a review of innovation and technical changes in weapons and military systems (Chapter 8). These are especially good chapters, since he provides a perspective that highlights private interests and ascribes less emphasis on technologically deterministic accounts of change.

Rochlin's message is clear. Proponents of the new technology and its benefits should at least be more circumspect about the assumptions they make concerning the technology and its place in society. Unfortunately, while this is a vital warning, I fear that some time will elapse before our policy makers and industry leaders are so thoughtful. The concern is that mistakes will continue to be made, some of which will have disastrous and irreversible consequences. Rochlin's examples of the Barings Bank collapse, planes crashing, warships shooting down civilian airliners, together with other military and business disasters, should be enough to make us worry now, not at some time into the future. However, the lure of short-term gains at the expense of long-term unanticipated costs seems likely to prevail. This, perhaps, should be the theme of his next book. Having established there is a problem, what prevents us from seriously acknowledging the dark side of this computerised nirvana we are all moving to, and indeed, how might we bring about change to design a future that exhibits some progressive characteristics. The issue is not so much arguing that computerisation has not brought benefits (it certainly has) but convincing everyone that in the long run we have probably bought into a Faustian bargain.

In short, Trapped in the Net is timely, well written and convincing (to this reviewer at least). It is written for a generalist audience and highly accessible. Having said that, it is also ideal as a reader for students and researchers studying the social dimensions of computer and communications networks. Order one for your library and one for yourself.

Richard A. JosephSchool of BusinessMurdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, 6150E-mail: joseph@commerce.murdoch.edu.au