Computers are sometimes used to eliminate human error. The biggest example is calculations. Whether you see it in a calculator user interface or not, calculation is a core function of a computer. If the formulas are input correctly, the computer will get it right. Some other things do have the possibility of mistakes.
How can computers make mistakes?
- When someone inputs something incorrectly. This can be done by either the programmer or end user. Example: someone posting a fake story on social media. Example 2: making a typo or inputing a number wrong or in the wrong order.
- When a computer’s hardware is failing or using hardware beyond it’s compacity. This can happen over time, or very quickly if the hardware is not taken care of. Example: dust getting built up. Example 2: battery failing.
- When programs or hardware are incompatible with other programs or hardware.
- Similar to compatibility and bad programming/input: malware can cause errors and mistakes.
- Artificial intelligence: Computers have been programmed very well to play a game of chess, but other artificial intelligence are not quite as well developed such as voice recognition, facial recognition, and optical character recognition even though significant improvements are being made. Some of the trouble with voice and optical character recognition is there are many variables (much more than a game of chess) that can make it difficult. For example with optical character recognition: how high a quality scan is taken by the scanner or camera and how high quality the paper is(not wrinkled) how well the actual type is printed.