The technological and scientific revolution that occurred in the last century modified how societies and individuals operate. Technologies became ingrained in the most distant corners of daily routine. For instance, tasks that once were inherently manual are currently computerized. The process allows numerous advantages varying from enhanced performance to eco-friendliness. Nevertheless, the growing dependency on technology can reach unhealthy limits. With the creation of computers, innumerable lives have been deprived of vital socialization and human contact – voluntary social exclusion is prompted by technology. Societies worldwide grow increasingly dependent on computers to satisfy the fundamental needs and perform tasks, and this process can potentially prove detrimental.
The expanding use of technology rightfully evokes fear that has been crystallized in art and entertainment occupying a sub-genre – techno-horror. This anxiety is not baseless, as computerization frequently leads to tears. For instance, the breakdown of an airport IT system in the UK several years ago left thousands of people in distress without a place to go (Cellan-Jones par. 3). The breakdown of British Airways’ system is not an isolated case as similar accidents occur regularly (Cellan-Jones par. 10). Banks, transportation, electricity, and numerous other systems dependant on computers and indispensable in human life can be sabotaged due to growing cybercrime.
Despite the possible risks and harmful effects on physical and psychological health, computers will not be utilized less. Computational technologies became an essential instrument that allows humans to construct buildings that were once unimaginable, split atoms, modify the genome, and facilitate an accountant’s work. In education, computers enable students who otherwise would not have an opportunity to participate in classes and obtain knowledge due to distance or financial circumstances. Hence, the technology gives socially disadvantaged population groups a chance to acquire education. Moreover, the extent to which computers are employed could be justified by the societal needs.
Even though computers have the ability to impact a human’s life negatively, they can increase its quality. The technology extends the limits of communication: videoconferencing unites people located at sizeable distances, reuniting families, and friends (Ash par. 2). The omnipresence of technology at many workplaces facilitates complex tasks and helps to increase employee’s productivity. Computerization helps the skilled workforce access more job possibilities internationally (Ash par. 2). Additionally, computers propel traveling – a modern airport is unthinkable without automatized processes. The commodities and comforts that many in developed countries are able to enjoy seem to a significant extent a result of computerization.
Human society becomes more and more addicted to the fruits of technological advancement. The excessive technological dependence characteristics for this era seemingly will not decelerate. In some cases, the dependence reaches the extent where a life without a computer is difficult to imagine, as, for example, more and more jobs require spending numberless hours in front of a screen. Considering the extent of the process, it could be stated that societies are overly dependent on computers. Nonetheless, the reliance on technology has numerous hard to disregard positive impacts in spheres varying from education to construction – computerization possibly leads to thousands of lives saved and improved.
Works Cited
Ash, Thomas. The Advantages & Disadvantages of Computerization on Globalization. Bizfluent, 2019, Web.
Cellan-Jones, Rory. Is it Dangerous for Humans to Depend on Computers?. BBC News, 2017, Web.