Week 2: Clear

As the years go by, society is relying more and more on computers. There are countless benefits from the ease that technology has brought us. We can gather information prior to shopping for important items, or any purchases for that matter. We can stay connected with our friends, family, and businesses whether they are around the corner or overseas. Unfortunately, there are also downsides to this helpful invention. While technology is decreasing the size of the world, as many would say, it may also be destroying the environment and our physical and mental well-being.

The advantages to using computers are endless. Individuals and companies can use them for instant access to trillions of pages of information from all over the world. Users can make well-informed decisions and be in constant communication with each other. Students can research and learn at a greater level, at a faster pace. Data and information flow at incredibly fast speeds and are processed along with billions of operations in seconds. The majority of electronic components are reliable, and don’t usually fail the user. Computers are consistent, producing the same results from the same input. Information and data can be stored, available for use at any time in the future. Wireless communication is now available on computers, which makes use incredibly convenient.

There are significant disadvantages to the use of computers in everyday life, some that we may not even be aware of yet. Once information is stored on the internet or in a computer, it is incredibly difficult to erase. This has become a violation of privacy or many individuals who have had their private lives broadcasted or their identities stolen. Innocent users have shared photos or other personal information publicly on computers and have since been victims of dangerous crimes. It is extremely important to protect yourself and be careful what information you release to the world. Despite the increase in productivity that computers have been responsible for, millions of employees have been replaced by this technology. Not everyone is up-to-date on the latest technology for labor, companies have increased their outsourcing of jobs, and many computers simply do the job faster than a human being can. Furthermore, health risks of computers are continually being brought to attention. There are potential injuries of the hands, wrists, elbows, eyes, neck, and back. There is a risk of computer addiction, which is a treatable disorder. I have a fear that there are many more health risks that will come about, particularly from the constant use of laptops, which sit on the person’s thighs. Computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are having a negative effect on our environment, depleting our natural resources and releasing toxic materials. It is important to recycle old computers and other technologies.

The future of computers in our society:
Advantage: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/science/31essa.html
Media and technology are improving to the extent that a person could record their entire life if they pleased.

Disadvantage: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/26/science/26robot.html
Artificial intelligence is rapidly increasing, even responding with emotions. Computers may actually follow those scary sci-fi movies and outsmart mankind.