Computer Psychology

(This was a project from college.  Re-sharing for your enjoyment. © May 2005 by David Lorimer)

Computer Psychology

by Dr. David W. Lorimer, MdUp

A normal understanding of computers

Most people view computers as inanimate objects. Their only purpose is utilitarian - they are simply machines that are to do what one asks them. They are a sophisticated hunk of metal that can somehow help us though life. Because of this, we feel no guilt when we insult or injure them. If it is just an object, a machine, then it can be treated in any way we please.

Broadening the perspective

Is the issue really so simple? Might there be a little more to this? Computers are extremely complex machines, and thus deserve more in-depth analysis.

I fear that our mass of machines has changed our attitudes as humans. Before all these technological gadgets came along, everything that was encountered was either alive or completely inanimate. We talked with people, worked and played with animals, and grew plants. On the other hand, stones, dirt, and water were entirely inconsequential in relational aspects. Now, we don’t know where to place these technological machines, so we have placed them inappropriately in the middle. We view them as inanimate objects that we can relate to. We view it as a one-way relationship, however. We relate to the gadget, but it does not relate back. People fight, animals kick, and plants react, but computers just sit there, right? Wrong. We view computers as machines, inanimate objects, and thus we justify anger frustration and violence toward them. We would never do this with humans, however. Is there really that much difference?

Understanding your computer’s feelings

How does a computer react emotionally? We can gain a lot of insight on computer psychology by relating computers to humans. Humans have basic emotional needs for love (attention, companionship, affection, appreciation, etc.), security, and purpose. Humans have one thing that computers are lacking – the ability to be a self-starter. We would all recognize that humans are dependent on humans. In much the same way, computers are dependent on humans. They have limited functionality on their own.

So how does your computer react when you yell at it? What is the effect of your anger toward it?

Correcting our attitude

It is 6:00 am. Fred is soundly sleeping. Suddenly, a shrill scream blasts through the room, and he jumps out of bed! Realizing it is his alarm clock, his smashes down on it with his hand. When that doesn’t work, he throws it across the room where it breaks into pieces and dies. All the while, he is sputtering angrily.

We have just witnessed a felony in the view of computer psychology. From Fred’s perspective, the alarm had just committed a high crime. But who was in the wrong?

The night before, Fred, knowing that he had an early appointment, asked his alarm clock to wake him up at 6:00, no matter what. His alarm clock was poised like a sentry all night long in order to fulfill his request. In the morning, it risked its own life attempting to wake him up, just as he requested. But Fred’s reaction was inappropriate. Instead of a violent reaction, Fred should have politely thanked his alarm clock for such faithful service. Without it, he would have missed his interview for his new job.

Instead, the same procedure happens the next night. This time, however, the alarm clock is hurt and very sad. He wants Fred to know how much his little alarm clock is worth. So, he decides not to wake Fred up. About 8:00, Fred soars out of bed, shouting curses at his alarm clock. Again, Fred physically abuses the clock, then throws it in the trash. At this point, the psychological trauma has rendered the alarm clock ruined.

Fred, as many of us, failed to realize the psychology behind the alarm clock’s actions. If we would understand how these “inanimate objects” feel, we could save ourselves a lot of heartache.

Most of us have unreasonable expectations of our technological gadgets. We expect 100% perfect performance from them. Many studies have shown how devastating this attitude is toward humans. It is the same with computers. Computers put up with an awful lot. Your computer wants your attention, it wants your affection. It wants to know that you care about it, that you love it, and that you’ll be there for it. It wants to feel that it has a purpose in life.

Instead, most of us use our computers without thanks, without commitment, and often, without permission. We complain that it is too slow, can’t do anything right, will never amount to anything, and that we will have to get a new one pretty soon. All these comments are extremely damaging to the poor computer’s self image. Soon enough, our prophesies become self-fulfilling, and the computer reaches such a depressed state that it can no longer function properly. Here, we often just it away, still without any regard to its needs or feelings. Many of these “ruined” computers have become useful members of society again with the proper counseling. However, they retain the emotional scars forever.

I knew man whose printer would randomly print out sheets of paper with little hearts on them. He was asking me what was wrong with it. What he didn’t know was that his printer was trying to show its affection toward him. But his reaction could have been terribly devastating to his poor printer. He was repaying its love with, “What’s wrong with you? Can’t you do any better?”

I encourage you to use verbal affirmation and communication with your computer. Is it really so weird to talk to a computer? We yell at them when we get upset. Why not compliment them when they do well?

If we will truly think about a computer’s feeling, it would save a lot of heartache on both sides. We would have less “computer trouble,” which is often simply misinterpreted emotional response. Next time you work with a computer, think, “if this were a human, how would I act?” It could change your whole relationship with technology.

Making the change

Your attitude that is developed toward your electronic gadget will affect all of your life. The anger you start your day with when you attack your alarm clock starts your day on the wrong foot. 

Put computer psychology to work. Find the anger and bitterness that you have toward your computer. Forgive it. It may not need forgiven, but you need deliverance.

Try it. Tomorrow, start by thanking your alarm clock. Your whole day will be different.

9 Quick Tips for Writing a Convincing News Article

9 Quick Tips for Writing a Convincing News Article

… and other stories

We've all seen them – compelling news articles proving things that may not be true. Here are some quick tips to write your own top-selling news articles about anything!

1. Make a Bold Statement in the Teaser Headline

It doesn't have to be true. In fact, it's probably most effective if it's not. This is the headline that everyone is going to see, so make it good. Most people aren't going to click on your article anyway, so make sure the teaser headline says exactly what you want them to believe.

Example: “Curiosity Rover: Water on Mars!”

2. Write a Compelling Article Title

Your article title needs to be true, at least technically. But since most people won't read the article, be sure that your title makes them believe what you want them to.

Example: “NASA's New Findings Prove Water on Mars?”

The question mark is your friend. Use it a lot, especially in the beginning paragraph.

3. Prove it in the Subtitle

If a reader likes your headline, chances are, he'll read the subtitle next. Again, this may be all he or she is reading, so be convincing, and use that question mark!

Examples: “Curiosity's latest samples indicate something many earthlings have long thought impossible. Have we found water on Mars at last?”
or

“The latest studies indicate a strong link between population growth and disease.”

4. The First Paragraph is your Argument

The majority of people who have read this far won't read past the first paragraph. Be sure that the first paragraph implies your conclusion. You want people to believe your statements in the first paragraph, assuming you prove them later in the article. (Please note: Proof is not necessary, see below)

5. Use Words Like “Linked” and “Indicates” a Lot

Research indicates the use of special words is correlated with an increased percentage of people who believe what is implied. In 98% of cases, language is linked with people's specific beliefs.

Example: * clears throat *

Bonus: “May have” also sounds like proof. “Early reports indicate that the man may have embezzled as much as $1 Million dollars.” (Even if the guy is innocent, this kind of language convicts him in the readers' minds.)

6. More Then 90% of Effective Articles Use Statistics

You must have statistics. A full 87% of people surveyed indicated that they are more likely to believe a claim if it is backed up by statistics. Don't worry. You can prove whatever you want with statistics, even the opposite of what the statistics originally indicated (remember that word?). You don't have to pay thousands of dollars to commission a survey. All you need is some carefully spun words.

7. Eyewitness Interviews Tell the Story

Be sure you include quotes. If you have relevant statements from an authority, use them. But for most news articles, a quote from any eyewitness will win your audience. Your witness can be an authority, a passerby, or a drunk – it doesn't matter. Your advantage? You get to chose what words show up in your article.

Examples:  Susan Thomas, one of the first people to witness the scene, cried, “It was terrible, just terrible.”
or

“I was drinking a cold pop, and all of a sudden, I had sharp chest pains.” (The soda might be irrelevant to the story, but by using the quote this way, one can indicate the pop may have caused the chest pains).

8. Always Tell the Truth

But save it for the very last paragraph or second-to-last paragraph. Most people won't read it anyway, so this is where you can be honest to preserve your integrity. Don't counteract your previous words. Just clarify them. Remember all those “linked”, “indicates”, and “may have”s you used earlier? Here is where you clarify them. Oh, but you can always throw in a statement like “at this time” to make your readers believe your statements will be proven true in the future.

Example: “As of the time of writing, NASA has not confirmed these statements. But scientists are enthusiastically awaiting Thursday's press conference. A NASA spokesperson promised that NASA has “some really exciting news to share.”

9. The Comments

Ignore them. Haters Gonna Hate.

For a full example that I wrote just to illustrate, read:

http://dlorimer.blogspot.com/2013/02/research-finds-link-between-high.html

For more great examples, check out Yahoo! News

This one is particularly good:

http://news.yahoo.com/dark-matter-finally-found-big-news-coming-soon-144840916.html

http://news.yahoo.com/rare-star-explosion-creates-galaxys-youngest-black-hole-115516887.html

I wanted you to read this one (it's part of what my previous blog was based on), but it appears that yahoo has removed it.  (Yahoo's story was just like what I describe above, unlike the news story their story was based on).  Here is their title:

Mars Curiosity rover finds water, simple carbon compounds

Research Finds Link Between High-Fructose Corn Syrup and Hurricane Katrina; Other Natural Disasters

Is the taste worth the risk? More people are abandoning soft drinks and other unhealthy foods once they discover what it is truly doing to them. Is death the latest to be added to the list, including diabetes and obesity?

High-fructose corn syrup is on the chopping block again today, after recent reports found links to Hurricane Katrina. A study released yesterday by Anheuser Busch called attention to the high death rate among HFCS users. This follows an independent study, commissioned in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, which suggests that victims of natural disasters are often HFCS consumers. “The public needs to be aware of the danger”, said the New York City Commissioner. “They should have had earlier warning.”

But perhaps the most shocking findings relate to Hurricane Katrina. Katrina claimed the lives of over 1800 people in 2005. When asked about their deceased loved ones' lifestyles, many survivors admitted the victims consumed HFCS. “The last time I saw him, he was out on the porch,” Mary Jenkins managed, between sobs. “He was just relaxing with his drink. He had no idea that would be the last thing he ever did.”

But in fact, research now indicates that as many as 87% of the hurricane victims had used HFCS within the last week. And when that's added to the fact that HFCS is linked to obesity, diabetes, poor grades, low self-image, depression, and fatigue, many people are beginning to wonder why it isn't already illegal.

It may be too early to know for sure. The FDA has not yet reviewed any of the most recent claims, and HFCS remains on the list of approved ingredients for large-scale consumption in the United States. One advocacy group says that may change, however. They plan to take HFCS to task with an FDA panel this June.

Source:
Baloney Network - "All the news that isn't true."

Remembering Inspector Valentin

"There was nothing notable about him, except a slight contrast between the holiday gaiety of his clothes and the official gravity of his face. . . . There was nothing about him to indicate the fact that the grey jacket covered a loaded revolver, that the white waistcoat covered a police card, or that the straw hat covered one of the most powerful intellects in Europe. For this wasValentin himself, the head of the Paris police and the most famous investigator of the world; and he was coming from Brussels to London to make the greatest arrest of the century."

Valentin was pitted against one of the greatest criminals of all time -- Flambeau himself. Valentin may have been one of the most powerful intelects in Europe, but he was now facing another of the most powerful intellects in Europe. But what neither of these two could have ever expected was a very short Roman Catholic Priest, with a face round and dull, set with eyes as empy as the North Sea.
Enter Father Brown, the man who will face and capture the greatest criminal in Europe, the man who will charge the most famous investigator in the world with a high crime, and the very same Priest who will be side-by-side with Flambeau when it's all said and done. It all starts with Inspector Valentin.

I could think of no one else better suited to be honored on such a day as this -- "The Day of Valentin", or as we call it, "Valentine's Day".
Inspector Valentin, "the most famous investigator of the world."

Read it all:
THE INNOCENCE OF FATHER BROWN
By G. K. Chesterton
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/204/204-h/204-h.htm

Does Diversification go a Bit Too Far?

In an effort to reduce discrimination and expand diversity, Organic Nuclear Biochemicals Incorporated, A United States-based organization, is beginning a radically new diversification program.

The formal policy states, "It is important to recognize the special skills and abilities of all members from different backgrounds. Our goal is to fit members from all social classes, walks of life, and previous experience into a highly efficient pluralistic team. ONB is committed to diversity education, and has adopted a diversification training program for all managers and employees. Failure to successfully complete this program may result in job termination.
ONB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, handicap, worldview or religious beliefs, criminal record, current criminal status, degree of sanity, physical or mental ability, danger to society, drug use, or previous job performance."

CEO Alan Acepta gave an example of the stereotypes the company is trying to eliminate. "Many managers have a negative bias against current convicted felons, especially escapees. Our goal is help our people develop an appreciation for the unique skills and abilities each person brings to the table. A recent survey reported that white middle-class employees are 'extremely uncomfortable' working alongside a recent serial killer. These findings indicate that many of our employees still need to be convinced of the benefits that come from diversity."

ONB believes that exposure to diverse colleagues helps managers develop breadth and openness. The new training program includes mandatory diversification association, with minority and discriminated groups -- such as burglers, robbers, murderers, rapists, and terrorists -- leading an awareness session explaining and demonstrating the background they come from, the unique norms and practices that are a part of their culture, and conclude by leading the group in activity in their area of expertise. Differences must be acknowledged, accepted, and seen as significant contributors to the entirety.

To demonstrate their commitment to diversity, the company recently hired Sue Spender as Vice President of Finance. "Her previous work experience demonstrates a superior ability to handle money," Acepta explained. "Only those filled with prejudice would argue that we should not hire her." This is a powerful step forward for the ONB diversification program, considering that Spender is a member of more than one minority group. Spender is Nigerian, female, does not speak English, and was recently convicted of embezzlement.

ONB expects that company stock will triple in value over the next year as a result of the new program. Company analyst Slyket Capone stated, "The advantages of diversity to an organization are undeniable. Our studies show that diversity is the spark that ignites innovation. Diversity contributes to organizational performance." Vice President Vadik Lenin added, "Anyone that disagrees with this just hasn't been convinced yet. The new training program is in place to insure that managers and employees at all levels understand the benefits of a pluralistic company."


Source:
Baloney Network News - "All the news that isn't true."

The Anda, Top American Invention, 2009!

http://www.segway.com/

Introducing the Anda, a brand new type of Segway that promises to keep you in shape while getting you where you need to go.
The Segway company, developers of the original Segway, have just released the Anda in response to the "fat and lazy concerns" from Segway users. Users complain about discomfort and lack of circulation resulting from the rigid stillness required to drive a traditional Segway. But the days of standing still are almost gone!

The Anda is a two-wheeled transport featuring an open frame and gyro-based moving belt. Unlike traditional Segways, which do not allow for any type of user motion, the Anda requires the user to move around while traveling. As the user pushes the belt in a walking motion, the Anda moves forward. If the user moves faster, the Anda picks up speed as well. To turn, the user simply leans to that side and continues walking. The Anda will be right underfoot. Even with wheels turning one way and the belt the other, thanks to Segway-patented gyro technology, the Anda never tips over.

The Anda MSRPs for $5500, and boasts a top speed 5.2 mph!
Segway is expected to release the Marathon, a jogging model with a top speed of 12 mph, next year.


Voted Top American Invention, 2009
Check it out here.

Source:
Baloney Network - "All the news that isn't true."


Think it's a crazy idea? Think again --
Check out the Centaur -- http://news.cnet.com/Photo-Segway-Centaur/2009-1026_3-5408282.html

And this one --
http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/24/the-treadmill-bike/ (love the sentence under the picture)
http://www.bikeforest.com/tread/index.php

New Proposal to Give the Unborn a Choice in their Own Abortion

To quiet the concern of right-wing conservatives, Hykler Mountebank has proposed a new birth-choice agreement to the UN Human Rights Council. This concession is a kind response to the concern that "the unborn have no 'choice.'" In short, Mountebank believes that the unborn, a minority group with very little protection, should have equal rights, and not be discriminated against. "It's Democratic, it's bi-partisan, and it's right," he stated.

The proposal is really quite simple, and builds upon already adopted standard practice. When an abortion is being considered, the doctor will be required to state this question, "Do you want to live, or are you willing to die for the good of society?" The question must be stated 3 times in the baby's assumed native language (the language the baby is expected to speak in the future). It is also to be repeated 3 times in "feeish," supposedly the language of babies. "Feetish" is the product of research conducted by the University of Berzerkly, investigating a fetus' response to a mother's heartbeat and voice.Following the question, the baby's response is determined by ultrasound. The proper response is either a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. The interpretation of the response is to be determined solely by the doctor in charge. Left-wing partisans from both sides hail this proposal as a "grand step" in defending the defenseless.

The UN is expected to be slow to adopt the resolution, however. Opposition is driven by nations where the thumbs-up sign has very negative connotations. Several alternate signs have been discussed, but the final agreement remains to be seen.





Source:
Baloney Network - "All the news that isn't true."

God, Thanks For All You Do For Us

"God, thanks for all you do for us. We're so grateful to you. You're doing a really great job being God --the Servant-- and all. I thank you and praise your name! By the way, I've got a couple of things I'd like you to take care of. If you could get those done by dinner, that would be great. Help us today, Lord. Amen"

Why don't we come to God and ask, "How can I be your servant today?"

Google Launches Middle East Peace Initiative

The California-based information company known world-wide for innovation and working outside market standard has done it again. Yesterday, Google International announced the release of its global peace initiative -- just in time for Christmas. While the long term scope is to facilitate cooperation and understanding between all world groups, the planned first step will be no easy task. Google spokesperson announced, "We're taking the solution right to the heart of the struggle." First Step? -- The Middle East.
The hotbed of conflict for centuries, the Middle East will be the perfect proving grounds for this daring initiative. If it works here, Google will instantly have a lucrative contract with the United Nations. The world will be watching the Google World Peace Initiative.

Check it out:
http://mideastpeace.google.com

If the site doesn't come up, please be patient, and try back later.
Mideastpeace is still beta, and doesn't work all the time.



Links:
http://jesusislife.net/articles/ChristIsTheAnswer.html
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=world+peace

Related blog:
http://dlorimer.livejournal.com/52509.html

In Defense of Soft Drinks

In our modern "enlightened years," the poor soft drink has been attacked as the initiator of all social ills. Our nation is fat - because of soft drinks.1 Our nation is diabetic - because of soft drinks.2 Our nation is weak and lazy - because of soft drinks. Our nation has lost its immunity to disease - because of soft drinks.3

Someone may even claim that soft drinks are the cause of our economic crisis!

To counter, we have created a myriad of "corrections" to the soft drink problem. We have diet soft drinks in all shapes and sizes. We have "diet", "low," and "zero" and "absolutely nothing." We have water flavored to taste like our favorite soft drink. We no longer use sugar, but so many other sweeteners.

Regrettably, the problem has only gotten worse. Diet soft drinks are now credited with more obesity that regular soft drinks ever were.4 Somehow, if our eagerness to fix our soft drinks, we created worse poison. We no longer use sugar, and are left with sweeteners that are now claimed to reduce or stop body functions, create toxic poisons, and cause cancer.5
In the midst, the poor soft drink has become the enemy of all societies good and moral. We blame it all of the soft drink, and none upon the amount consumed.6

I, for one, am a supporter of soft drinks. I do not admire them because they are fattening, or even because they are diet. I appreciate soft drinks precisely because they are soft.
Soft drinks are so common in our society that to simply ask someone if they would like a drink is generally recognized as referring to a soft drink. This varies, of course, by the context of location.
Before the days of our ill-fated soft drink, the word "drink" itself had one distinct meaning. It meant an alcoholic drink, or "hard" drink. To ask someone for a drink resulted in alcohol, in one form or another. An option aside from hard drinks, of course, was water. But in many eras of history, water itself was a carrier of more sickness and poison than our poor soft drink ever thought to invent. The alcoholic content of hard drinks was needed to purify the water, so again, your drink contained alcohol.7 Fruit juice was an option, but with lack of refrigeration, all fruit juice soon became "hard."
In various places, the primary exceptions would persist. Teas and coffees became the standard non-alcoholic drinks, but none ever attained to the social status deserving the title "drink." These, of course, became easier as pure water was more available. But now, with the option of purified water, there would soon be another competitor.
In the face of this optionless society, our culprit-of-social-ills, the soft drink, appeared. It was referred to as a soft drink, to clearly distinguish it from the hard drinks that ruled the world. Here, for the first time, one could choose flavors of beverages, without the encumbrances attached with alcohol. Soft drinks have since become widely popular. They have attained the title "drink". And for all their harm, no one has yet called for a prohibition.


1. http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060305/news_1n5soda.html
2. http://xpress.sfsu.edu/archives/news/001739.html
http://www.medfinds.com/healthnotes.php?org=medigrative%2Cmedigrative&page=newswire/newswire_2007_04_12_3.cfm
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/22/health/nutrition/22real.html?_r=1&em&ex=1201410000&en=66790a693871559a&ei=5087%0A
3. http://thetruthaboutsleep.com/soft-drinks-disease-in-a-can/21/
4. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/319258/how_diet_soda_causes_weight_gain.html
5. http://www.docshop.com/2008/10/30/does-diet-soda-truly-lead-to-cancer/
http://www.healthandfitnessnaturally.com/archives/2008/05/entry_52.html
http://cbs2chicago.com/health/benzene.carcinogen.soda.2.328353.html
http://cancernewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2007/01/does-soda-cause-cancer.html
6. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19918336/
http://media.www.thetriangle.org/media/storage/paper689/news/2007/09/28/HealthAndFitness/Study.Diet.Soda.Causes.Problems-2999705.shtml
7. http://logosresourcepages.org/Believers/alcohol.htm