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How Can You Trust the Computer in Front of You?

  • Sep 13, 2002
Dr. Siani Pearson examines the issues that lead us to trust — or not trust — the computers that we use every day.
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Introduction

Most dictionaries define at least one use of the word trust in wording similar to the following: "a firm belief in the reliability or truth or strength, etc., of a person or thing." However, this is not the end of the story. To date, we have no universally accepted scholarly definition of trust, although "confident expectations" and "a willingness to be vulnerable" are usually viewed as critical components.

In this article, I'll attempt to provide a succinct analysis of trust, including consideration of both behavioral and social components. This provides important context for explaining the sense in which you can trust your computer.

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Last Update: November 17, 2020