How can free software change an individual's character

We know that the environment we live in, people we interect with, activities we involve in play a major role in shaping our personality. The changes that happen within ourselves are so subtle that we often miss to notice that we are slowly changing. These changes are seen as societal impact on a man's personality. But, what is more interesting and surprising to note is that a computer software can bring sunstantial changes to an individual's character. This software can be broadly classified as Free Software and Proprietary Software.

Free software gives the user the rights to study, change and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose. The user knows what the software does, can limit or enhance it's features, can change it's source code; in short, the user has complete control over the software. With time the user becomes completely responsible for what the software does. This kind of complete responsibility establishes a strong relationship between the user and the software. Therefore, if at any point the software fails or if there is a bug in the code, the user feels obliged to fix it, and even if he is not able to solve it single handedly, he will reach out to his peers to get it fixed. This act of taking responsibility for the damage caused by oneself and connecting with peers extends to dealing wih social problems more personally and trying to develop a peer community. To a certain extent, it also kindles an activist in a person.

On the contrary, a proprietary software user shares a superficial relationship with the software. The user knows what he can do with the software but knows nothing in detail about how it works. He doesn't get to change, limit or enhance the features of the software. In case of any issue, he cannot do anything to resolve it but to write to the developer about the issue. This kind of experience sows the thought of not taking responsibilty for faults and easily trying to point at someone to solve it. This also largely limits the peer connection to discuss and solve issues. Thus, a free software user grows to be a more socially responsible adult and connects with his fellow human beings, whereas a proprietary software user becomes more and more disconnected with his fellow human beings and doesn't develop the thought of taking social responsibilites in hand.