The individual versus the computer: an examination of attitude problems and their impact on system development

Abstract

Whether rational or irrational in nature, negative feelings toward computer based system have been a persistent problem for computer implementors and systems managers for many years. People may sometimes fear for the future of their employment, feel intimidated by a technology they do not understand, resent the invasion of privacy associated with indiscriminant data collection, or exhibit a wide variety of other emotional responses. In order to better anticipate, understand and cope with the multitude of emotional reactions and interface problems that potentially may develop among non-technical computer system users, current literature pertaining to such negative attitudes has been explored. With a greater understanding of possible human-computer interface problems, it is believed that managers, computer professionals, system users and social institutions alike can all assume important roles in helping to promote more universally positive interactions and attitudes in the future.