Human Benefit through the Diffusion of Information Systems Design Science Research, Mar 30, 2010
Based on a study of ICT use at an airport security checkpoint, this paper explores a possible exp... more Based on a study of ICT use at an airport security checkpoint, this paper explores a possible explanation to the paradox that travelers find existing airport security measures inadequate while at the same time believing air travel to be sufficiently secure. We pursue this explanation by showing that, for the security checkpoint to function properly in relation to the overall function of the airport, travelers have to be enrolled in a particular program of action. They are then locked into this program through sanctions. Travelers are forced into participating in a system many of them find ethically and morally objectionable. Yet, active participation makes it difficult for them to object to the moral and ethical issues of their actions without damning themselves. Our explanation of the security paradox is, therefore, that while travelers remain critical of airport security, they avoid damning themselves by criticizing the system in terms of its own logic. They have been made accomplices.
Proceedings of the IADIS International Conference on ICT, Society and Human Beings, 2009
Based upon a study of travelers' subjective experience of security in encountering airport securi... more Based upon a study of travelers' subjective experience of security in encountering airport security, this paper argues that the ICTs used in airport security contribute to heightening travelers' awareness of the shortcomings of the security checkpoint. Travelers therefore experience existing security measures as tokenistic security. Caught in the tension between the existing security measures and increased awareness of potential dangers, travelers grow cynical of the intentions and effects of airport security. This is called security cynicism. The paper discusses the implications of security cynicism to ICT policy-making.
Human Benefit through the Diffusion of Information Systems Design Science Research, Mar 30, 2010
Based on a study of ICT use at an airport security checkpoint, this paper explores a possible exp... more Based on a study of ICT use at an airport security checkpoint, this paper explores a possible explanation to the paradox that travelers find existing airport security measures inadequate while at the same time believing air travel to be sufficiently secure. We pursue this explanation by showing that, for the security checkpoint to function properly in relation to the overall function of the airport, travelers have to be enrolled in a particular program of action. They are then locked into this program through sanctions. Travelers are forced into participating in a system many of them find ethically and morally objectionable. Yet, active participation makes it difficult for them to object to the moral and ethical issues of their actions without damning themselves. Our explanation of the security paradox is, therefore, that while travelers remain critical of airport security, they avoid damning themselves by criticizing the system in terms of its own logic. They have been made accomplices.
Proceedings of the IADIS International Conference on ICT, Society and Human Beings, 2009
Based upon a study of travelers' subjective experience of security in encountering airport securi... more Based upon a study of travelers' subjective experience of security in encountering airport security, this paper argues that the ICTs used in airport security contribute to heightening travelers' awareness of the shortcomings of the security checkpoint. Travelers therefore experience existing security measures as tokenistic security. Caught in the tension between the existing security measures and increased awareness of potential dangers, travelers grow cynical of the intentions and effects of airport security. This is called security cynicism. The paper discusses the implications of security cynicism to ICT policy-making.
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Papers by Ole Georg