We speak of our belief in the positive aspects of computer use. Paramount among the problems facing humanity are the control of population, the equitable distribution of wealth, balancing individual freedom against the authority of governments, preservation of the world’s resources, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. It is naive to think that there is a primarily technical solution to any of these multifaceted problems. But even though all of the problems involve conflict of basic values (for example, desire for security versus desire for independence), any answers must be found in the light of what is technically feasible. It is not necessary to maintain that computers will have a major role in all of the problems. Through their use in government administration and in the distribution of social services, computers enter into the solution of the major problems and affect the way these problems are attacked. Our belief then, without dismissing present and potential dangers, is that computers have already contributed and will continue to contribute positively toward the solution of difficult social problems.