Impact of computers on society

Good and bad impacts of computers in society

1. IMPACT OF COMPUTERS ON SOCIETY

2. Computer chip Computer chips are made from silicon which is found in sand. Electronic circuits based on Silicon chips had their beginning around the 1970’s. The impact of computers was felt very slowly in the seventies and eighties. At this time people started to analyze and understand the applications of computers in all fields. However, the nineties saw an exponential change.

3. Automation Computers have taken over a lot of boring, repetitive and time consuming, as well as dangerous job. Some of these applications are: Simple applications like word processing, spreadsheets and databases have make it possible for more work to get done in less time. The entire banking operation have become much more efficient. Money transfer are done in minutes. Through Computer-aided design (CAD), the quality of products has improved.

4. Communication The Internet has given great amount of flexibility in the office work environment by making communication easier. Some of these applications are: The companies can give flexible timing to their employees, and even freedom to work from home. By using e-mails and video conferencing, it is possible for experts in distant places to exchange ideas and plans, while carrying on their daily routine. Handicapped and disable people are able to become part of workforce.

5. Education Computers have made great impact in the field of education. Students are using computers to study subjects like Science, Social Studies etc. Some of these applications are: Computers are being used to teach difficult concepts through simulated models. Internet is being used extensively by students to do research work. Earlier students have to spend days looking up encyclopedias for information. In lab work scientific instruments are attached to computers to help get accurate readings.

6. Impact on Health Computers also have physical impact on people. Certain types of injuries are reported by people. Certain group of muscles, such as those of the neck, are getting strained. The other physical impact is that on vision. Long hours of working on computers affects the vision.

7. Staying Connected One of the major advantage of internet is to enable millions of people to stay connected with their friends all over the world. Websites such as Facebook and Orkut have created huge online communication and allows people to send messages, post pictures, stories and share other information. These sites can also be harmful to younger generation if they became addictive and spend too much time on social networking. Users should not posts their private information on these sites.

8. The harmful effects of computers Meetings and personal contact between people are getting drastically reduced. Electronic mail and application software like work processor are fast making handwritten mail outdated.

9. Effect on younger generation Computers are a source of entertainment. Young children spend hours playing games all by themselves rather than interacting with others. Many have become so addicted to computers that they gave even given up playing outdoor games. This is expected to have an adverse impact on the health and social behavior of the younger generation.

10. Ownership of Information One big problem that computers today have is that of ownership of information and creative work called the Copyright Law . However, the electronic form in which information is available today, is easy to copy and duplicate. Easy availability of information on the Internet encourages people to copy what is available and present the information as their own.

11. Right to privacy As more and more computers are being used for commercial and financial transactions, the threat to privacy of personal information in increasing. Internet piracy involves the right to personal privacy concerning the storing and displaying of information pertaining to oneself via the Internet.

12. Frauds You may have heard about hackers breaking into the computer systems of large organizations. In October 2000, hackers broke into Microsoft’s computer system and are believed to stolen the blueprints of the Windows operating system and the MS Office software package. In case of financial transactions, Bank accounts can be hacked to transfer money illegally.