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 Is dependence on computers a good thing?

In the current era of technological advancement where computers reign, people are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. New generations especially are extremely dependent on these technologies and are handicapped even when it comes to preparing a cup of tea. Today, computers are used 24/7. It is therefore not surprising that the world practically comes to a standstill when there is a power failure. From personal computers to the ones used in business, hospitals, crime detection and even flying planes, it has become part of life. Today, many cannot survive without the computer. Axiomatically, computer technology facilitates many difficult tasks and saves time. However, is this excessive dependence on computers a good thing? Has it not rip the warmth out of our lives? Undeniably, computers help us in many ways, but we should be cautious of being overly dependent on it. While the debate on this is still inconclusive, I believe that when used in moderation, computers are beneficial for everyone. It makes our life easier and is a source of invaluable information, but it also causes social alienation and an unhealthy lifestyle.

    Computers have made our life easier. It facilitates difficult tasks and hastens daily manual tasks. Without computers, workers have to labour through routine tasks manually. Much time and effort is required to complete a manual task that could be done with just a click of the mouse. Though it is business before pleasure, the ease that computers have provided us leaves us more time to enjoy our leisure activities. A busy entrepreneur, for example, can easily close a profitable deal with just a click of the mouse while enjoying his family vacation. It is obvious that completing a task using computers consumes lesser time and effort. Data analysis can be done in a split second if computerised devices are used. Even at home, using computerised gadgets to prepare meals and to do household chores can tremendously save time and effort. In the medical field, the sophistication in computer technology helps saves life and relieves pain that patients have to endure. Indisputably, computer technology helps make life easier.

    Besides, we can easily get information from the Internet using computers. Whenever we are in doubt, we can easily access the Internet to seek clarification. Information is probably the biggest advantage Internet is offering and it is effortlessly available with the use of computers. We can source for information on practically every subject, ranging from government law and services, trade fairs and conferences, market information, new ideas and technical support. Various search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo! and MSN facilitate us to find almost any type of data that we are looking for in a second. In the near future, it may be even possible to smell a new perfume using the Internet. Fancy watching 3D scenes at home, as we do in the movie theater? Scientists predict that this may be a reality soon. Moreover, recruitment agencies forecast that machines will replace cashiers, and civil and military pilots. Eventually, people may be buying housewife-robots instead of employing servants to do household chores.

    However, being too dependent on computers can lead to social alienation. As we spend more time behind monitors, we have less time for socialisation. This can develop into an unhealthy emotional state, as humans by nature stay emotionally healthy througIf;socia 1 ising. As time passes, we get lock in a vicious circle of loneliness and gradually alienate from society. Some youngsters may even contemplate suicide in an attempt to escape from this trap. Hence, the problem of social alienation is potentially one of the most destructive results of a world over-reliant on computers. It threatens to eat away at our sense of social cohesion. It is clear that social alienation could prove a serious side effect of technological innovation. Perhaps it is the novelty of the technology that we appreciate the computer more than a fellow human being in front of us. Physically, our health suffers as well, as we lack outdoor sports and exercise. We tend to indulge in unhealthy eating habits, skipping meals and even sleep.

    There is definitely a need for computers in our daily lives. It is something that most people cannot live without. Inevitably, we are dependent on them. Whether this dependence on computers is a good thing very much rests on how we use it. The positive use of computers lies largely in our hands. We need to cultivate a greater level of discipline to ensure the use does not negatively affect our lives and the lives of those around us. With a little effort on everyone's part, the benefits of computers should serve to enhance our experience of life, offering us more freedom, and ultimately creating a better society Indubitably, despite all dangers they hide, we are satisfied with them. We are thankful that they help us in communicating, studying, doing business, entertaining and saving lives in critical situations. Practise moderation when it comes to using computers and you will experience a balance and harmonious lifestyle.

(835 words)
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