Question
Assignment: Computer Science and Technology in The Social Network
Instructions: Answer the following questions based on the concepts and technology portrayed in the movie The Social Network. Be sure to provide detailed explanations where required.
Part 1: Multiple Choice (10 Questions)
What programming language did Mark Zuckerberg use to build Facemash?
a) Python
b) C++
c) Perl
d) PHP
Which database management system is prominently mentioned in the film?
a) MySQL
b) PostgreSQL
c) MongoDB
d) Oracle
What was the purpose of the "crawler" script Mark wrote for Facemash?
a) To optimize page load speed
b) To collect images from Harvard’s directories
c) To analyze network traffic
d) To encrypt user data
Which of the following algorithms is discussed in relation to comparing photos?
a) QuickSort
b) PageRank
c) Elo rating system
d) AES encryption
How did the site 'The Facebook' initially manage user authentication?
a) OAuth tokens
b) Email verification
c) SMS verification
d) Cookie-based sessions
Part 2: Short Answer (10 Questions)
Explain how Mark's use of PHP and Apache helped him quickly develop and deploy Facemash.
Describe how DNS plays a role in the launch of The Facebook.
Discuss the concept of server load and how it became an issue for Facemash.
What is the significance of using an SQL injection technique, as seen in the movie?
Briefly describe the role of an algorithm in determining the ranking of photos on Facemash.
Part 3: Essay Questions (10 Questions)
Analyze the ethical implications of scraping data from university directories without permission.
Discuss the importance of scalability in the context of The Facebook's growth.
How did cloud hosting solutions differ in the early 2000s compared to modern solutions, and how would this impact The Facebook today?
How do security vulnerabilities, such as those exploited in Facemash, affect modern social media platforms?
Compare the technological approach used in The Facebook's initial development with how a similar project would be developed today using modern technologies (e.g., React, Node.js).
Discuss the role of version control in collaborative software development, particularly in a team setting like Facebook’s early days.
Explain how social graph theory influenced the structure of Facebook’s friend connections.
What impact did open-source software have on the development of Facebook?
Describe the legal and ethical considerations surrounding data privacy portrayed in the movie.
Reflect on how rapid prototyping played a role in Facebook's early success.
Submission Guidelines:
Please write your answers in a separate document and submit it as per your instructor’s guidelines.
Make sure to support your arguments with examples from the movie and real-world technology concepts.
Instructions: Answer the following questions based on the concepts and technology portrayed in the movie The Social Network. Be sure to provide detailed explanations where required.
Part 1: Multiple Choice (10 Questions)
What programming language did Mark Zuckerberg use to build Facemash?
a) Python
b) C++
c) Perl
d) PHP
Which database management system is prominently mentioned in the film?
a) MySQL
b) PostgreSQL
c) MongoDB
d) Oracle
What was the purpose of the "crawler" script Mark wrote for Facemash?
a) To optimize page load speed
b) To collect images from Harvard’s directories
c) To analyze network traffic
d) To encrypt user data
Which of the following algorithms is discussed in relation to comparing photos?
a) QuickSort
b) PageRank
c) Elo rating system
d) AES encryption
How did the site 'The Facebook' initially manage user authentication?
a) OAuth tokens
b) Email verification
c) SMS verification
d) Cookie-based sessions
Part 2: Short Answer (10 Questions)
Explain how Mark's use of PHP and Apache helped him quickly develop and deploy Facemash.
Describe how DNS plays a role in the launch of The Facebook.
Discuss the concept of server load and how it became an issue for Facemash.
What is the significance of using an SQL injection technique, as seen in the movie?
Briefly describe the role of an algorithm in determining the ranking of photos on Facemash.
Part 3: Essay Questions (10 Questions)
Analyze the ethical implications of scraping data from university directories without permission.
Discuss the importance of scalability in the context of The Facebook's growth.
How did cloud hosting solutions differ in the early 2000s compared to modern solutions, and how would this impact The Facebook today?
How do security vulnerabilities, such as those exploited in Facemash, affect modern social media platforms?
Compare the technological approach used in The Facebook's initial development with how a similar project would be developed today using modern technologies (e.g., React, Node.js).
Discuss the role of version control in collaborative software development, particularly in a team setting like Facebook’s early days.
Explain how social graph theory influenced the structure of Facebook’s friend connections.
What impact did open-source software have on the development of Facebook?
Describe the legal and ethical considerations surrounding data privacy portrayed in the movie.
Reflect on how rapid prototyping played a role in Facebook's early success.
Submission Guidelines:
Please write your answers in a separate document and submit it as per your instructor’s guidelines.
Make sure to support your arguments with examples from the movie and real-world technology concepts.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### Part 1: Multiple Choice
1. **What programming language did Mark Zuckerberg use to build Facemash?**
- **c) Perl**
2. **Which database management system is prominently mentioned in the film?**
- **a) MySQL**
3. **What was the purpose of the "crawler" script Mark wrote for Facemash?**
- **b) To collect images from Harvard’s directories**
4. **Which of the following algorithms is discussed in relation to comparing photos?**
- **c) Elo rating system**
5. **How did the site 'The Facebook' initially manage user authentication?**
- **d) Cookie-based sessions**
### Part 2: Short Answer
1. **Explain how Mark's use of PHP and Apache helped him quickly develop and deploy Facemash.**
- Mark Zuckerberg's choice to use PHP, a server-side scripting language, allowed for rapid development due to its ease of use and flexibility. PHP enabled quick integration with HTML and made it simple to handle server-side logic. Coupled with the Apache web server, which is known for its stability and performance, Mark was able to deploy Facemash quickly, facilitating dynamic content generation and fast prototyping.
2. **Describe how DNS plays a role in the launch of The Facebook.**
- Domain Name System (DNS) is crucial for transforming user-friendly domain names into IP addresses that servers use to identify each other. When The Facebook was launched, users needed to connect to the website through a memorable URL. Proper DNS setup ensured that when someone typed "thefacebook.com" into their browser, the request was routed to the correct server hosting the website.
3. **Discuss the concept of server load and how it became an issue for Facemash.**
- Server load refers to the amount of processing power being used by the server at any given time. Facemash became immensely popular very quickly, causing a surge in traffic that the server was not equipped to handle. This led to performance issues, such as slow page loading and eventual crashing, demonstrating the challenges of managing high server load with limited resources.
4. **What is the significance of using an SQL injection technique, as seen in the movie?**
- SQL injection is a technique that exploits vulnerabilities in a web application's software by inserting malicious SQL code into input fields. In the movie, Mark uses this technique to extract data from the Harvard databases, highlighting the potential risks and ethical concerns associated with data access. It illustrates the fine line between technical prowess and ethical responsibilities in programming and data handling.
5. **Briefly describe the role of an algorithm in determining the ranking of photos on Facemash.**
- On Facemash, an algorithm was implemented to compare images and rank students based on their attractiveness. This algorithm utilized user votes to calculate scores, which directly influenced the display order of the photos, thus generating competitive engagement. The algorithm's design became foundational for how social media platforms later approached personal content ranking.
### Part 3: Essay Questions
1. **Analyze the ethical implications of scraping data from university directories without permission.**
- Scraping university directories breaches privacy and consent agreements, raising ethical concerns about data ownership and respect for individual privacy. The act of using publicly available information without permission can be justified by some as an innovation-driven approach, yet it raises questions surrounding the responsibility of developers to respect user rights and institutional policies, highlighting a tension between entrepreneurial ambition and ethical boundaries.
2. **Discuss the importance of scalability in the context of The Facebook's growth.**
- Scalability refers to a system's ability to handle increased load without compromising performance. As The Facebook grew rapidly, its initial architecture had to evolve to manage countless users and data transactions seamlessly. The foresight to plan for scalability in design gave The Facebook an edge, allowing it to adapt quickly, implement new features, and avoid downtime, all of which are critical in sustaining user engagement in competitive social media landscapes.
3. **How did cloud hosting solutions differ in the early 2000s compared to modern solutions, and how would this impact The Facebook today?**
- In the early 2000s, cloud hosting was in its infancy, with limited scalability, flexibility, and accessibility. Platforms typically hosted data on dedicated servers, which restricted quick scaling. Today, modern cloud solutions offer dynamic scaling, reducing costs, facilitating faster deployment, and improving reliability. If The Facebook were launched today, it could leverage cloud services for rapid growth and innovation without the original constraints of physical infrastructure, enabling experimentation with new features much faster.
4. **How do security vulnerabilities, such as those exploited in Facemash, affect modern social media platforms?**
- Security vulnerabilities can lead to massive data breaches, loss of user trust, and legal consequences for modern social media platforms. Facemash's exploitation demonstrated that even in early web applications, loopholes existed that could be taken advantage of. Today, platforms must employ rigorous security measures, constant vigilance, and transparency to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited, as even minor breaches can have significant repercussions.
5. **Compare the technological approach used in The Facebook's initial development with how a similar project would be developed today using modern technologies (e.g., React, Node.js).**
- Initially, technologies like PHP and MySQL were used due to their simplicity. Today, projects would likely leverage frameworks such as React for the front end and Node.js for the back end, allowing for a more component-based architecture, improved user experience, and cross-platform compatibility. This would enable a more robust, efficient development process with better maintenance and scalability due to the modular nature of modern technologies.
6. **Discuss the role of version control in collaborative software development, particularly in a team setting like Facebook’s early days.**
- Version control systems track changes to code, allowing teams to collaborate more effectively by creating separate branches for features, bug fixes, and new developments. In the context of Facebook’s early days, implementing version control would enable team members to work concurrently without overwriting each other’s code, resolve conflicts, and maintain a comprehensive history of changes, ultimately leading to a more organized and efficient development process.
7. **Explain how social graph theory influenced the structure of Facebook’s friend connections.**
- Social graph theory examines the relationships and structures between individuals within a network. Facebook employed this theory to create a visual and functional representation of user connections, allowing friends to interact, share content, and engage. The algorithmic approach to friend suggestions and connections was rooted in understanding social dynamics, enabling users to discover and maintain relationships effectively, akin to real-world social interactions.
8. **What impact did open-source software have on the development of Facebook?**
- Open-source software provided crucial tools and frameworks that enabled rapid application development without the overhead of costly licenses. Facebook benefited from the innovation and community support that open-source technologies afforded, allowing for rapid iteration and growth. This reliance on open-source solutions not only accelerated Facebook's development but also fostered a collaborative spirit in technology, enhancing the overall software ecosystem.
9. **Describe the legal and ethical considerations surrounding data privacy portrayed in the movie.**
- The film highlights significant legal and ethical dilemmas regarding data privacy, such as the unauthorized use of student images and personal information without consent. These actions raise questions about data ownership, the right to privacy, and the accountability of developers. The narrative introduces a critique of how emerging technologies often outpace legal frameworks, emphasizing the need for robust regulations to protect user data in a digital age where privacy is continually at risk.
10. **Reflect on how rapid prototyping played a role in Facebook's early success.**
- Rapid prototyping allowed Facebook to quickly test and iterate features based on user feedback, fostering an environment of innovation. Mark’s ability to rapidly create functional demos attracted immediate user interest and facilitated a culture of continual improvement. This agile approach ensured that the platform evolved based on actual user experiences, which was critical for gaining traction and adapting to user needs in a fast-moving social media landscape.
Be sure to include examples from both the film and relevant technology concepts in your submission.
1. **What programming language did Mark Zuckerberg use to build Facemash?**
- **c) Perl**
2. **Which database management system is prominently mentioned in the film?**
- **a) MySQL**
3. **What was the purpose of the "crawler" script Mark wrote for Facemash?**
- **b) To collect images from Harvard’s directories**
4. **Which of the following algorithms is discussed in relation to comparing photos?**
- **c) Elo rating system**
5. **How did the site 'The Facebook' initially manage user authentication?**
- **d) Cookie-based sessions**
### Part 2: Short Answer
1. **Explain how Mark's use of PHP and Apache helped him quickly develop and deploy Facemash.**
- Mark Zuckerberg's choice to use PHP, a server-side scripting language, allowed for rapid development due to its ease of use and flexibility. PHP enabled quick integration with HTML and made it simple to handle server-side logic. Coupled with the Apache web server, which is known for its stability and performance, Mark was able to deploy Facemash quickly, facilitating dynamic content generation and fast prototyping.
2. **Describe how DNS plays a role in the launch of The Facebook.**
- Domain Name System (DNS) is crucial for transforming user-friendly domain names into IP addresses that servers use to identify each other. When The Facebook was launched, users needed to connect to the website through a memorable URL. Proper DNS setup ensured that when someone typed "thefacebook.com" into their browser, the request was routed to the correct server hosting the website.
3. **Discuss the concept of server load and how it became an issue for Facemash.**
- Server load refers to the amount of processing power being used by the server at any given time. Facemash became immensely popular very quickly, causing a surge in traffic that the server was not equipped to handle. This led to performance issues, such as slow page loading and eventual crashing, demonstrating the challenges of managing high server load with limited resources.
4. **What is the significance of using an SQL injection technique, as seen in the movie?**
- SQL injection is a technique that exploits vulnerabilities in a web application's software by inserting malicious SQL code into input fields. In the movie, Mark uses this technique to extract data from the Harvard databases, highlighting the potential risks and ethical concerns associated with data access. It illustrates the fine line between technical prowess and ethical responsibilities in programming and data handling.
5. **Briefly describe the role of an algorithm in determining the ranking of photos on Facemash.**
- On Facemash, an algorithm was implemented to compare images and rank students based on their attractiveness. This algorithm utilized user votes to calculate scores, which directly influenced the display order of the photos, thus generating competitive engagement. The algorithm's design became foundational for how social media platforms later approached personal content ranking.
### Part 3: Essay Questions
1. **Analyze the ethical implications of scraping data from university directories without permission.**
- Scraping university directories breaches privacy and consent agreements, raising ethical concerns about data ownership and respect for individual privacy. The act of using publicly available information without permission can be justified by some as an innovation-driven approach, yet it raises questions surrounding the responsibility of developers to respect user rights and institutional policies, highlighting a tension between entrepreneurial ambition and ethical boundaries.
2. **Discuss the importance of scalability in the context of The Facebook's growth.**
- Scalability refers to a system's ability to handle increased load without compromising performance. As The Facebook grew rapidly, its initial architecture had to evolve to manage countless users and data transactions seamlessly. The foresight to plan for scalability in design gave The Facebook an edge, allowing it to adapt quickly, implement new features, and avoid downtime, all of which are critical in sustaining user engagement in competitive social media landscapes.
3. **How did cloud hosting solutions differ in the early 2000s compared to modern solutions, and how would this impact The Facebook today?**
- In the early 2000s, cloud hosting was in its infancy, with limited scalability, flexibility, and accessibility. Platforms typically hosted data on dedicated servers, which restricted quick scaling. Today, modern cloud solutions offer dynamic scaling, reducing costs, facilitating faster deployment, and improving reliability. If The Facebook were launched today, it could leverage cloud services for rapid growth and innovation without the original constraints of physical infrastructure, enabling experimentation with new features much faster.
4. **How do security vulnerabilities, such as those exploited in Facemash, affect modern social media platforms?**
- Security vulnerabilities can lead to massive data breaches, loss of user trust, and legal consequences for modern social media platforms. Facemash's exploitation demonstrated that even in early web applications, loopholes existed that could be taken advantage of. Today, platforms must employ rigorous security measures, constant vigilance, and transparency to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited, as even minor breaches can have significant repercussions.
5. **Compare the technological approach used in The Facebook's initial development with how a similar project would be developed today using modern technologies (e.g., React, Node.js).**
- Initially, technologies like PHP and MySQL were used due to their simplicity. Today, projects would likely leverage frameworks such as React for the front end and Node.js for the back end, allowing for a more component-based architecture, improved user experience, and cross-platform compatibility. This would enable a more robust, efficient development process with better maintenance and scalability due to the modular nature of modern technologies.
6. **Discuss the role of version control in collaborative software development, particularly in a team setting like Facebook’s early days.**
- Version control systems track changes to code, allowing teams to collaborate more effectively by creating separate branches for features, bug fixes, and new developments. In the context of Facebook’s early days, implementing version control would enable team members to work concurrently without overwriting each other’s code, resolve conflicts, and maintain a comprehensive history of changes, ultimately leading to a more organized and efficient development process.
7. **Explain how social graph theory influenced the structure of Facebook’s friend connections.**
- Social graph theory examines the relationships and structures between individuals within a network. Facebook employed this theory to create a visual and functional representation of user connections, allowing friends to interact, share content, and engage. The algorithmic approach to friend suggestions and connections was rooted in understanding social dynamics, enabling users to discover and maintain relationships effectively, akin to real-world social interactions.
8. **What impact did open-source software have on the development of Facebook?**
- Open-source software provided crucial tools and frameworks that enabled rapid application development without the overhead of costly licenses. Facebook benefited from the innovation and community support that open-source technologies afforded, allowing for rapid iteration and growth. This reliance on open-source solutions not only accelerated Facebook's development but also fostered a collaborative spirit in technology, enhancing the overall software ecosystem.
9. **Describe the legal and ethical considerations surrounding data privacy portrayed in the movie.**
- The film highlights significant legal and ethical dilemmas regarding data privacy, such as the unauthorized use of student images and personal information without consent. These actions raise questions about data ownership, the right to privacy, and the accountability of developers. The narrative introduces a critique of how emerging technologies often outpace legal frameworks, emphasizing the need for robust regulations to protect user data in a digital age where privacy is continually at risk.
10. **Reflect on how rapid prototyping played a role in Facebook's early success.**
- Rapid prototyping allowed Facebook to quickly test and iterate features based on user feedback, fostering an environment of innovation. Mark’s ability to rapidly create functional demos attracted immediate user interest and facilitated a culture of continual improvement. This agile approach ensured that the platform evolved based on actual user experiences, which was critical for gaining traction and adapting to user needs in a fast-moving social media landscape.
Be sure to include examples from both the film and relevant technology concepts in your submission.