In modern society, with new software and cutting-edge paraphernalia, arising controversial issues are inevitable. Attention geared towards computers has been larger than ever and will not be ceasing in the near future. Accompanying this growing trend is the vital source that empowers these intricate devices: mass media. Since new computer-related apparatus releases so expeditiously, ethics, morals and law have little or no time in evaluating them. Although the government has properly discharged a majority of illicit pirate websites, in the preceding months, media file sharing becomes the predominant issue in the computer-world. A typical file-sharing client such as "Kazaa" encompasses millions of computers and allows them to "share" any file without constraint (Anslow, 1). Although the creators of file sharing programs claim the advantages are legitimate, their true intentions are to provide a catalyst for software pirates (1
). The benefits of file-sharing do not outweigh the detrimental effects it spawns.
File-sharing proves to have multiple perks for the common consumer; instead of the buyer purchasing a CD with only a few of the songs he likes, he can compile a free CD with all of his favorite songs in a few minutes or if a student evokes interest in learning professional editing software, he can download it for free instead of paying some ridiculous amount of money (Leclair, 1). However, in an expanded view, file sharing becomes a debt to everyone; despite the provisional benefits, the enduring effects resulted are much more detrimental. In 1999, file-sharing cost the U.S Entertainment industry a staggering 12.2 billion dollars (1). These monumental losses become a huge issue for music artists, movie-makers, game developers, and especially software authors. Typical hard-working citizens from around the globe dedicate their careers to produci
Example Essays Home
