Tutorial/Panel Social Impact of Computerization

Over the past twenty years, electronic technology has invaded all of our lives, both at home and in the workplace. To support our growing electronics industry, we require every person in a developed nation to "consume" over a million transistors per year. But how is the technology we help to create changing our society? Computerization can and has altered the social structures of the workplace and the relationship of the worker to his or her work. In addition, the problem of reliability of electronic systems, especially in life-critical situations, has resulted in a diffusion of responsibility for decision making, with the priority given to reliability. Following a review of these and other issues, the panel has been asked to stimulate discussion from the audience as to who has the responsibility for this technology, and how should this responsibility be exercised?