Futures

The Evolution of Human Computers: From Professionals to Modern Terminology, (from page 20260215.)

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Themes

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Summary

The text explores the historical role of human computers, professionals who performed calculations before the advent of electronic devices. It quotes a lament from the British East India Company in 1785, highlighting the difficulty of computation due to the complex duties and rules that needed understanding. The narrative shares examples of individuals identified as computers in institutions like the U.S. Naval Observatory in the early 1900s and reflects on the comprehensive skills required for tax auditing and accounting. Furthermore, it connects the etymology of the term ‘calculate’ and alludes to the potential future of programmers becoming the next ‘tools’ in the field due to their complexity.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Human Computers Historical reference to skilled individuals doing calculations before electronic computers. Shift from human-driven calculations to machine-based computation with little human interaction. In a decade, the role of humans in data processing and calculation may diminish further. Advancements in artificial intelligence and automation are streamlining tasks once done by humans. 4
Evolving Terminology The changing definitions and roles of computation-related terms over centuries. Evolution of terms from human roles in calculations to mechanical and AI-based functions. Language around computation may further evolve, reflecting new technologies and roles in data processing. The continuous integration of technology into everyday language and profession is reshaping terminology. 3
Dehumanization of Roles Shift in perception of roles from human to tool-like entities in technical fields. Perception of programmers and computers as interchangeable tools rather than skilled individuals. In 10 years, roles currently seen as skilled may be increasingly viewed as tasks performed by machines. The growth of automation and AI capabilities leads to dehumanization of technical jobs. 5
Gender Roles in Computing Historical focus on women as human computers, hinting at gender norms in technical fields. Change in diversity and representation in computing roles over time. Future workforce may see a more balanced representation of genders in tech jobs due to ongoing diversity efforts. Increasing advocacy for equity and inclusion in technology fields is influencing job compositions. 4

Concerns

name description
Job Displacement by Automation As machines replace human roles in computation, there is a risk of significant job loss and underemployment for skilled workers.
Complexity of Modern Systems The increasing complexity of computational systems may render them inaccessible or unmanageable for the average person, leading to a knowledge gap.
Historical Amnesia about Labor There may be a lack of awareness regarding the historical contributions of human workers in computational roles, risking undervaluation of current labor.
Shift in Skill Requirements The evolution of computational tools could necessitate new skills, leaving those unable to adapt at a disadvantage.
Perception of Accountability in Automation As technology increasingly takes over accounting tasks, it may undermine accountability and transparency in financial dealings.
Loss of Context in Labor Terminology Evolving definitions of terms like ‘computer’ could lead to misunderstandings about roles and contributions in various fields.

Behaviors

name description
Human Computers Historically, human calculators performed complex computations and were valued for their skills before electronic computers were invented.
Specialization of Roles With technological advancements, roles like ‘Computer’ and ‘Calculator’ were redefined and specialized, leading to fewer people capable of performing those tasks.
Perception of Complexity As tasks transitioned from humans to machines, the complexity of computations increased, making the work harder for subsequent generations to grasp.
Cultural Depersonalization of Work The narrative suggests a trend where human roles in computation have become obscured, leading to new generations disconnected from the origins of these terms.
Evolution of Terminology Terms like ‘Computer’ and ‘Calculator’ have evolved over time to represent machines rather than people, reflecting changes in society’s relationship with technology.
Emerging Concerns about Programmer Roles As technology continues to evolve, there are concerns that roles like programmers may become viewed as mere tools rather than skilled professionals, similar to past roles.

Technologies

name description
Human Computers Professionals who performed complex calculations by hand before electronic computers, demonstrating early data processing techniques.
Mechanical Calculators Devices that aided in performing calculations manually, paving the way for more advanced computational technologies.
Computational Tools (like slide rules and lookup tables) Early tools that assisted with calculations, representing the initial stages of computational technology development.
Data Processing Evolution The transition from human computation to electronic computation indicates a significant shift in how data is processed and managed.

Issues

name description
Changing Role of Human Labor in Computing The historical shift from human computers to electronic systems shows evolving job roles in tech, raising questions about future job security and roles.
Evolving Language and Terminology in Technology The transformation of terms related to computation and calculation could signify broader societal changes in understanding technology roles.
Gender Roles in the Computing Workforce The historical representation of women as human computers highlights ongoing gender disparities in tech fields.
Job Specialized Roles in Technology Increased specialization within tech roles, such as programmers, poses implications for job structure and labor dynamics in the future.
Obsolescence of Skills in Computing The historical narrative of computing skills becoming obsolete suggests future risks for current computing professionals.