Are We Too Dependent on Computers - Essay Example

Are we too dependent on computers?Not long ago, individuals all over the world were sending telegram and letters to their loved ones and business partners. Gradually, people embraced the use of emails and sending short messages to communicate. The earliest reference on computer dependency was made in the 70’s by two gentlemen who predicted the excitement that would be accompanied by overreliance on computers. A certain spell befell on programmers and not long, other people, as well (Shotton 8).

Because of this, fear has gripped Psychologists and socialists who insist that the human mind would be deprived of its creativity if people continue to depend on computers.Computers were invented to help in solving complex mathematical problems. With time, they have been programmed to store and retrieve data, manage communication, manipulate sounds and images among other functions (Ceruzzi 1). Computer dependence became widespread with growth of the internet and accessibility of the personal computer.

These two factors led to misuse, led to people questioning its rampant use, and if it had any negative consequences on individuals and institutions that wholly relied on them.Computers have made people complacent and have practically shaped peoples way of thinking and relating to others. The plethora of information people can access from the internet is endless. People can shop for virtually almost everything they can ever imagine. Shopping and access to all manner of information is what has got people glued to their computer screens shutting out the rest of the world.

If computers stopped working today, people may go berserk and institutions would fall, in short the world would be in chaos (Fleeger & Pfleeger, 6). Over reliance has also posed a threat to people, as if security being compromised due to a criminal element in many areas especially the banking sector. Thus, computers can be used as weapons instead of tools of convenience.It is easy to argue that people have become overly dependent on computers. This statement is not agreeable to all. According to the viewpoint of an individual who thinks currently individuals are not dependent on computers, he would claim that computers are controlled and created by man, so how can we are dependent on them?

They are just machines to make life easier. This is based on the fact that computers have enhanced and opened communication channels as families and friends in different countries can communicate. Computers save time for everyone as compared to the times people used to use manual means to get things done. Computing technology has opened economies to growth and development as in the case of Singapore. Moreover, institutions are using computers to advance their business and in the case of terrorism and insecurity, the computing technology has been instrumental in tracking criminal activity (Kizza 10).

Learning for students has been made easy, as materials are available online for their usage (Boyer 62). In a nutshell; if computers stopped existing losses would be realized in terms of resources.It is evident from the discussion above that computers have a profound effect on the society. It is however, important to exercise some form of balance when using these gadgets to avoid alienating ourselves from the realities of life. People need to preserve their culture, retain their individuality and separate themselves from computing technology.

Technology, therefore, should be used to improve our lives and not to enslave people.Works citedBoyer, Susan, and Leonard Boyer. Understanding English Pronunciation: An IntegratedPractice Course. Glenbrook, N.S.W: Boyer Educational Resources, 2002. Print.Ceruzzi, Paul E. A History of Modern Computing. Cambridge, Mass: MIT, 2003. Print.Fleeger, Charles P, and Shari L. Pfleeger. Analyzing Computer Security: AThreat/vulnerability/countermeasure Approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2012. Print.Kizza, Joseph M.

Ethical and Social Issues in the Information Age. London: Springer, 2010.Print.Shotton, Margaret A.Computer addiction?: a study of computer dependency. London: Taylor &Francis, 1989. Print.