Electronic action

Electronic Action is a collective term for operations initiated by an end user on a computer system. Examples include sending an electronic mail or instant message, communicating with a Web site, saving or copying a file and running a computer program.

Overview

Electronic Actions are caused by humans, not by automated processes. As well as a cause, an Electronic Action always has an effect, often involving one or more third parties – for example the recipients of an electronic mail or instant message, or those viewing a Blog on which the user has posted information.

Computer users typically carry out hundreds of Electronic Actions every day; indeed the adoption of email, instant messaging and the World Wide Web has been entirely dependent upon the Electronic Actions of those who use them. While Electronic Actions certainly existed before the rise of the Internet, they were limited to skilled computer users carrying out very specific tasks. With the rise of personal computers and the Internet, Electronic Actions can now be carried out by anyone, anywhere.

It should be noted that, as with most human initiated activities, Electronic Actions can have negative or undesired consequences. This is true for both personal and commercial Electronic Actions.