Effects of Computer Essay

There is no doubt that technology has become a significant part of people’s lives nowadays. It has become a daily part of people’s routine whether it is at home or at the workplace. At this time, people, especially the young ones, are caught up with mobile phones, television sets, gaming consoles, music players, and other electronic gadgets. Many people cannot leave their houses without their mobile phones or music players. However, the technology that probably has the most effect on today’s society is the computer. Almost all households own a computer or a portable laptop, which is used for personal reasons. Throughout the world, companies utilize the computer to run their businesses. One of the effects that computers have made to society is the ability to communicate effortlessly. This is made possible through the use of other technologies including the Internet. People who are separated by long distances are now able to talk, send instant messages or emails with just a few clicks. There is no need to wait for days for a handwritten letter to arrive. People do not need to spend on long distance calls because computers would allow them to chat and view their loved ones over the Internet. Indeed, computers have crossed the gap that distance has made. â€Å"The ability to communicate across cultures, across national boundaries, relatively quickly, and with unfettered freedom of speech has forever changed the way in which people live† (Odom, 2004, p. 25). Computers did not only made communication between loved ones easier but also, it made communication among colleagues and workers much easier. A large amount of papers is saved everyday because employees do not have to print documents and letters all the time. Now that computers and networking are available, employees only need to send emails or instant messages for informal documents or exchange of information. The Internet also made possible for companies to manage their businesses overseas. This saves them the time, money, and effort when going to and from different work places. The most important effect that computer has brought to society is the ease of gathering information from the Internet. People do not have to go to libraries to research for their schoolwork or projects at work. They do not have to travel to places just to see what these places have to offer because the Internet has all the information about the world that they need. There is no excuse to be ignorant because even if the Internet is not available, there are compact discs in the market, which contains variety of information much like an encyclopedia. However, it is important to indicate that not everything is positive when it comes to computers’ effects on society. Research has shown that â€Å"a quarter of five-year-olds have Internet access in their bedroom and around half of teenagers had access in theirs, spending an average of 2. 2 hours a day on social networking sites† (Ager, 2009). The large amount of time they spend and the amount of exposure they have on computers and other technological devices is compromising their reading and communication skills, which may compromise their future as professional adults. Computers have proved to become very useful innovation in today’s society. One cannot imagine life at this time without the help of computers and the Internet. Its effects are not only felt inside the house but also at business sites and educational institutions, and almost everyone is affected by it either directly or indirectly. However, people should also realize that just like any other thing, relying too much on computers could also have its disadvantages. As such, while using the computer and other technologies is inevitable, people must also learn how to distance themselves from it and learn how to do simple things without the use of technology. References Ager, J. (2009, January 21). The new generation that’s growing in front of a screen. Retrieved January 22, 2009, from http://www. northantset. co. uk/news/The-new-generation-that39s-growing. 4896795. jp Odom, W. (2004). Computer Networking First-step. Indiana: Cisco Press.