Ever since The Inquisitr started to report on drones, the new tech has received mixed opinions. For some, drones are seen as something with the potential to progress the human race; they can be used to bring internet to parts of the world that don’t have it, and then there’s services iTray , a sushi restaurant, bringing food via drones. But just like most discoveries and inventions that have the potential to be used for good, most are used for power and control. For example, PETA has reportedly been using drones to spy on big game hunters. They are used in parks for fun, but have become an annoyance .
Now, it is reported that the University of South Florida, or USF, will allow their students to check out drones from the library starting this Fall Semester. In the original report by ABC News Tampa , USF explains that the ability to check out drones is, of course, utilized for educational purposes. For example, an architect may use a drone to hover over building sites to get a perceived view on dimensions instead of relying on architectural drawings. Being a former engineering drafter, I don’t know how that is possible, but they now have lasers that can read temperature so I am sure it’s doable. Summarized, drones have a lot of real-life applications for the career market, and USF sees that.
Personally, I too can see the benefit of what drones can do in our society. In a fictitious presentation, such as books, television, and movies, drones have benefited mankind ranging from helping hands, construction, exploration, and jobs considered too dangerous for a living being to partake. However, these forms of artistic expression have also shown drones to be a danger too. The Terminator movie series is a prime example of such, in which drones – along with artificial intelligence, mass production lines, and the weaponizing of every single breakthrough discovery and worthwhile invention – has shown unfavorable results for people.
The students at USF recognize that drones can be used poorly as well. First, drones can be a nuisance, especially in the hands of an untrained user. Second, with the drones having cameras, issues of spying are taken seriously. However, these issues have been rectified, as reported in a second article by CNN . Before students can check out drones, they have to be trained in its operation and supervised while operating one, too. This prevents misuse of the drones from happening. As a final exclamation point to responsibility, the policy includes the “you break it, you buy it” clause. And trust me when I write this: students, especially those on scholarship and loans, don’t want a sudden $5,000 to $10,000 fine added to their debt.
So what do you think about USF checking out drones from their library? Will students be responsible and use them for educational purposes, or will they misuse them for their own personal desires?
