The Effects of Computers on Todays Society - Coursework Example

? THE EFFECTS OF COMPUTERS ON TODAY'S SOCIETY The Effects of Computers on Today’s Society Computers have had a huge impact on our society. People no longer need to go out and mingle with each other to be considered social. Thanks to Facebook and MySpace we can be socially viable within the comfortable confines of our rooms. The microprocessor was invented in 1971 and nobody could predict its success story. It has changed the world so that nobody can really get away without using computers in one form or the other. Refrigerators use built-in computers to regulate the temperature, cars have computers in the form of anti-locking breaking systems and engine controls and smart phones also make use of some very sophisticated computer technology to safe keep our contacts, music and pictures (Frisicaro et al n.d). The biggest advantage of computers is the ease with which knowledge can be made available to the masses. Whether it is journals, databases, blogs or newspapers; anyone with a connection to the internet can now have a wealth of information on their fingertips. Search engines make it easier to look for information. Computer and internet technology has specially changed the nature of education (Frisicaro et al n.d). Students are learning in a whole new fashion which could not have been thought of before the advent of computers. They can now design models, run simulations, conduct extensive research and become a part of the global information revolution at the few clicks of a mouse (Kashmanian, 2000). Research also suggests that personal computers have had a huge impact on students’ decision to graduate from high school. Students who have had access to computers show better academic performance and achieve better test scores (Beltran et al 2008). Computers have completely changed the way we read and write. Now thanks to word processors, spelling mistakes are a thing of the past and even most celebrated writers now prefer electronic writing over traditional text. Computers are also a great interpersonal medium, enhancing our conversations through emails, discussion groups and chat rooms (Ferris, 2002). But despite all the goodness of computers, there are some major drawbacks. Thanks to all the word processors, the ability to express clearly without computers has become virtually nonexistent. Chat rooms and emails have done more damage to our writing and conversation skills than anything else. The Net-Generation speaks in abbreviations and shorthand that are wreaking havoc on language skills. Young children learn this language from an early age which effectively destroys their command over English language. Computer games and the internet mean that children as well as adults these days are spending all their time in front of the computer screen. Physical activity has become virtually non-existent; this is leading to many health issues. As these children grow up, this habit has taken hold and they continue to lead this computer-oriented lifestyle for the rest of their lives (Frisicaro et al n.d..). Office goers often complain of physiological problems such as Repetitive Strain Injuries, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and DeQuervains Tendonitis which are brought on by non-stop use of computers. But there is an even darker side to the health issue. Computers are now known to cause some very serious psychological problems as well. The first issue is that computers can cause an alienation from society, many computer users are not able to function in social settings and are completely dependent on computers for any interaction they have with the world at large. Another issue is stress and burnout brought on by using computers for extended periods of time. Stress can also be brought on trying to keep up with the constant changes in computer technology. Computer addiction is also a very common psychological disorder in our society. People who suffer from it are always online and in search of the latest game, program or any other addiction that may keep them hooked onto their computers for hours. Computers have been known to cause headaches and fatigue as well. The only way to counter these ill-effects of computer is by making sure that computer users are aware of the importance of good posture and ergonomically correct workspaces (Morley, 2011). Another issue with computers is that they are a huge drain on energy. The business centers of the world are full of whole buildings that are chock-full of computers running day and night. Whether it is Wall Street or the Central Business District in Hong Kong; computers are always on and huge consumers of local energy. Computers also need to be updated and replaced at least yearly; this means that computers are a big part of the landfills in all of our major cities. Most of its components are not recyclable and composed of substances that are harmful to the environment. Computers are not disposed properly despite these harmful substances especially in the third world countries (Frisicaro et al n.d.). The only way to counter this issue is by introducing green computing in our offices, schools and wherever computers are used. This means using LCDs instead of CRT monitors and notebooks instead of desktops in order to reduce energy usage. Computers hold a special, almost magical charm for children. Therefore, their usage in classroom seems compulsory. But the truth is that there is very little productive use that can be had from using computers with young learners. Researchers argue that there is very little that children under the age of seven can do with computers. When left alone with a computer many children tend to play games and use the paint and draw programs instead of practicing their mathematical and problem solving skills (Kashmanian, 2000). Computers and the internet also make it easier to plagiarize information and distract students from working hard to get their grades. Computer technology is now an important part of the human experience and no matter what its adverse effects may be; it is here to stay. The world has changed so much over the last century owing to computers. ATMs, emails, online shopping and banking have now become an integral part of the American lifestyle and life simply cannot be imagined without these luxuries. The need is to educate the masses about different ways of countering these problems and making sure that everyone reaps the benefits of this technology. Bibliography BELTRAN, D. O., DAS, K. K., & FAIRLIE, R. W. (2008). Are computers good for children? the effects of home computers on educational outcomes. Canberra, Centre for Economic Policy Research, ANU. FERRIS, S. P. (2002). Writing Electronically: The Effects of Computers on Traditional Writing. Journal of Electronic Publishing. 8. Frisicaro,A., Crisp, T. & Meehan, M. (n.d.). So What's the Problem? The Impact of Computers. [online]. Computer Science for Fun. Available at: [Accessed 18 December 2011]  Kashmanian, K. 2000. The Impact of Computers on Schools: Two Authors, Two Perspectives. [online]. The Technology Source Archives. University of North Carolina. Available at: [Accessed 18 December 2011] MORLEY, D. (2011). Understanding computers in a changing society. Boston, MA, Course Technology, Cengage Learning. Read More