PARO

Why is the social aspect of technology important?

Socialising is one of the most important and basic aspects of human life. Social media has increased our ability to reach out and broaden our social lives as we can contact anyone from across the world. Some would say social media is just as important as breathing.

Function & Purpose of PARO

The Guinness World Record holder, PARO was developed by a Japanese company, AIST. PARO acts as a therapeutic animal for patients in hospitals or extended care facilities. It encourages socialisation with other patients and caregivers, reduces stress, and increases relaxation and motivation.

Cutting Edge Technology

The 8th-generation PARO has modifications, far more advanced than any other robot. It contains five types of sensors: tactile, light, auditory, temperature and posture sensors, which helps it adapt to people and the environment. It can remember positive and negative actions, and react according to the person. It’s aware when it is being held, stroked and the direction of voice due to all of its advanced sensors. PARO’s interaction with others are enhanced by acting as if it is alive. It imitates the sound of a baby seal and it can also move its head and legs.

What technology do we rely on during Covid-19 pandemic?

Social media usage has gone up astronomically during quarantine. Phones and laptops are nearly overheating due to its high usage. We can not go outside so we heavily rely on technology to entertain us. Since school is closed, students must get an education through the screen of their laptop, office workers are working from home, and friends are still contacting each other through social media as physical contact is not allowed. We also rely on our devices to update us about Covid-19, order food deliveries to support local businesses and to watch our economy crumble.

Has technology connected us better or worse?

Technology has definitely connected us better, especially through this tough time. Even if we’re locked inside our humble abodes, we’re still able to socialise and interact with friends and family. It allows us to facetime, text and even send voice messages. It is like the person is actually there with you. Everyone is able to share their experiences to millions of people with a simple click of a button. Good things always have their negatives, whom in this case, it is trolls or narrow-minded americans.

The 21st century is the era of technology and modernisation. Emerging technologies is a term used to describe new technology, whether it’s an advancement to an existing technology or a new innovative idea. Ethics is dealing with right and wrong or what’s good and bad, which might conflict ones’ morals and beliefs.

Most ethical considerations are built around these 5 guidelines:

1. Informed Consent

Informed consent is when the person is fully aware and informed of what they’re participating in. They should be informed of the purpose, fundings and every little details that may result from the evaluation plan.

2. Do No Harm

This guideline ensures that the participant isn’t harmed physically or psychologically. This can come in many forms such as; stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, pain or invasion of privacy.

3. Voluntary Participation

Participants are free to participate or withdraw anytime, without having to explain or feel pressured. Dropping out will not negatively impact their relationship with the researchers or future programs.

4. Confidentiality

Any private or distinguishable information about a participant can not be revealed or accessed by anyone except for the program coordinator. Their information is also prohibited from published documents and reports.

5. Anonymity

The identity of the participant remains unknown to the researchers so anonymity is a much stricter form of privacy than confidentiality.

COVID 19 TRACKER APP

The Australian government has recently developed a new app regarding the harrowing pandemic, Covid-19. Many Australians are wary of the app as it tracks your location and collects information. The Covid-19 app follows the first guideline, informed consent. The user completely knows what they are getting into by downloading this app. There are many official articles and guides regarding what happens to your data, what the app does, and possible advantages with using the app.

The app doesn’t exactly ‘do no harm’. The purpose of the app is to help prevent the spread of the virus and notify users if they were in close proximity to someone who has tested positive to the virus. This can bring some relief or serenity to some users, but to others who HAVE been near a Covid-19 person, it can cause a state of panic, stress and anxiety. The thought of contracting the virus can do some serious psychological damage.

Users are free to delete the app whenever they want with a simple click of a button. The app will be gone, but their data will still be stored in the system.

The app has safeguards in place to ensure that personal information is deleted and de-identified when its no longer needed. Their data is stored for up to 21 days and is later deleted. If a person contracts Covid-19, their data is automatically stored in the National Health Data Store which is worrisome as it is prone to cyber attacks.

The identity of a user is never revealed as it only tracks your location, but if a close friend is smart enough, they can put two and two together and figure out your identity based on your location.

I recommend using the app as it can help save lives and benefit the health of the vulnerable. Though the data storage system sounds a bit sketch, flattening the curve is more important so downloading the app and potentially getting your data accessed by the government is worth it. Everyone should be able to download the app, no matter their age.