Reading 01

I believe that there are two distinct definitions of the word hacker, one that applies to those within the computer science community and one used by those who are not. While, as mentioned in the article “The Word ‘Hacker',” individuals in the programming community generally have a positive outlook on the word “hacker,” while members of the general public have a more sinister understanding of the word. Those not familiar with computer science and with the role programmers or hackers play typically view hackers as only being those who are committing crimes, violating privacy, lack ethics, and are harming our world in the end. While it is certainly true that there are many programmers who use their skills in a detrimental and adverse way, many of those within the technology community aspire to use their hacking to enable our world to be more efficient, secure, and productive. It is often over-looked by the general public that in order to stop a criminal hacker, often times someone must hack them or, hack the hacker. Without hackers that understand and can disable the work of a criminal, our information, and safety would be under far greater risk. While those not familiar with programming many look down upon hackers and see them as nerds that waste away their days in a cold dark room on their computer, in reality, it is undeniable that hackers are some of the brightest and brilliant minds of our time. Without their knowledge and skill-sets, we would not have the technologies that make our everyday lives and effective use of technology possible.

The article, “A Portrait of J. Random Hacker,” does a good job depicting what a stereotypical hacker might look like to the imagination of someone within the field of computer science. However, to those who do not have expertise in IT and the like, such as President Trump, a hacker is more commonly thought of as “somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds.” This article also addresses some of the other interests that a hacker may have. For example, it discusses the physical activity and sports that these individuals typically participate in. It states that many hackers do not participate in many team sports. This got me wondering because, I do not consider myself or any of my closest friends to be hackers even though we do consider ourselves as part of the programming/computer science community. Could it be that due to our interests in other areas we do not devote enough time to enhancing our programming skills in order that we may consider ourselves hackers? It is interesting to think back to the video we watched in class promoting computer science to young students that features individuals like Mark Zuckerberg, Will.I.Am, and Chris Bosh. Of these three, the reason that the only individual I would consider a hacker is Mark; is that because his main profession involves computer science and Will.I.Am and Chris specialize in other things? Interestingly, from this reading, other frequently seen characteristics of those interested in hacking skills include high intelligence, intensity of purpose, desire for casual and low maintenance dress, an affinity for facial hair for men and minimal makeup for women, and an enthusiasm for reading of science and science fiction.

In conclusion, I believe that those who do not experience the world of coding and programming on a day to day basis have a biased and false understanding of what a hacker is and does. While some do use their skills to harm others, many more are on the lookout, surveilling, and fighting with their fingertips and minds to keep our world safe. Being referred to as a hacker can be a compliment to those within the Computer Science community.

I can identify with many of the mentioned attributes of mischievous hackers- being intense about achieving a goal, liking to read, and enjoying a good science fiction story now and again. However, I know that my underlying purpose for being knowledgeable about computers and information technology is not on finding weak spots in the technology in order to circumvent authority, but rather my aim is to safeguard this branch of science for the protection of others and the advancement of our civilization.