Impact of Computer Technology - Research Paper Example

Full Paper Impact of Computing Technology This is the age of globalization where humankind has become effective in the context of strong communication anywhere on the planet. Computing technologies are utilized to their optimal level by data and communication networks. Previously, the computers networks only served as connecting people via email, chatting, sharing data and application via intranet and extranet. Today, the communication and computing technologies are redefined by integrating semantic web, known as the web 2.0. These web models have entirely changed the traditional approach of utilizing computing technologies on the Internet. One of its predecessors is computerized social networks. The cost effective and instant communication over these networks has left other technologies far too behind and facilitated humans to communicate and process information in a remarkable and innovative way. Social networks enables people to create effective communication channels for exchanging ideas and thoughts with class mates, old friends, lost friends, relatives, and new friends. Computerized social networks have advantages as well as disadvantages later to be discussed. The factors impacting on the population are interrelated to each other. The severity of the impact of these technologies may differ from low to high risks. Impacts on Education The impact of computing technology has also contributed by introducing E learning powered by web 2.0. It is an abstraction tool that is implemented to provide education in an innovative way. The objective is to simplify research methods along with integrating rich animated web experience with 34 hour availability for the students. This enables students to access these learning and research tools anytime on the Internet. Moreover, with the help of visual technology powered with interactive multimedia, students as well as teachers can explore material related to the coursework on forums and collaborative online tools. Furthermore, students can communicate with their teachers and instructors online for discussing on particular topics. Moreover, the computerized social networks also contributed to support the educational correspondence regarding student assignments, career counseling and college planning. Students are able to co ordinate with each other regarding multiple educational topics and suggestions. Students improve their visual, writing, reading and conflict resolution skills by discussing about issues on various matters with all level of students available around the globe. These features can be achieved by connecting to the Internet and registering to the free social networks. Students with low income can also utilize these services due to free of charge. Studies have shown that computerized social networks have also increased quality of life. Social media can contribute via computerized social networks which will be an alternative to a traditional way of communication. The social media gateway is “is a resource that maps global social media, computerized social networks and user generated content (UGC)” (SMP; SMP). Impacts on Society The computerized social networks that are based on computing technologies encourage users to create new relationships. Incessant online communication reinforce relationships with relatives, colleagues, friends and new friends along with creating opportunities for publishing expressions in a nontraditional way. As, the computing technology has provided great ease of publishing photos, blogs and playing games by inviting others via Internet, computerized social networks that are accessed by computers have provided public interest between individuals facilitating freedom of expression around the world. This is because, contribution of computing systems is become mandatory for everyone along with Internet connection, supporting social network. Computing systems also provide support for deaf and blind people in the society by integrating tools in operating systems. Likewise, computerized social networks facilitate people with stammering problems, as they can publish their suggestions and exchange ideas by just typing from the keyboard. This provides confidence to these people, as previously that was not possible. Computerized social networks also contributed people to make crucial decisions in their life. 60 million Americans are facilitated by the Internet for making one of the most vital life decisions (The Strength of Internet ties). As everyone is addicted to the social networks, expert decision makers are also available on social networks. They helped people by suggesting them with decisions of their life, which includes changing professional career paths, buying property, purchasing cars, motivating someone who is dealing with difficulties in life, caring for a person who is unhealthy and much more. There are many benefits as well as some disadvantages. People are spending an enormous amount of time on these websites, and are becoming habitual of online communication which portrays a negative impact in terms of face to face communication. The people who share information on these networks, are not aware that the deleted information can also be retrieved. By over sharing, personal information may attract cyber criminals, burglars and even employers who can evaluate values of a person by reviewing comments on the site which may compromise the individual to lose his job. There is no credibility of the user authentication of what they are claiming to be on social networks. Lot of students and teenagers are addicted of cyber bullying. It is defined by www.PCmag.com as “A person who uses the Internet to harass or intimidate someone else. An e-mail message with a phony from: address is a common way to reach someone without identifying the sender. An "anonymous blog" keeps the writers identity a secret and allows the blogger to make harmful comments about someone else”. Impact of cyber bullying in society is enormous as a girl named as Megan Meier, who was using MySpace, created an alliance with a 16 year old boy. She hanged herself after viewing hurtful messages from the boy and is believed to be one of the victims of cyber bullying (A suicide victim and the town that turned on her cyber-bully - americas, world - the independent). Inability to have real conversations is a major factor which can be caused by using the computing technologies in children which can cause personality uncertainty in terms of face to face communication and brain disorders. For instance, video conferencing on cell phones and computerized social networks are the most widely used technologies. The fast pace of these technologies may rewire the brain with repeated exposure because parts of the brain used for routine, offline activities become underused. People using these computerized social networks are addicted to social seclusion. Parents spend less attention to their children and spend less time together even when they are geographically not too far or living in the same house. This is because they are using the computing and communication technologies instead of face to face communication with each other. Employees in a society are facilitated by computing and communication technologies. They spent most of the time by updating their profiles on Face book, Twitter and MySpace several times a day. This is the reason why organizations are reluctant to restrict access to the services during office hours (5 Problems with Social Networking in the Workplace). Conclusion There are many positive and negative impacts of computing technologies. The impact on society has clearly laid various advantages in terms of instant and cost effective communication based on these systems. Discussion on topics of interest with sub ordinates new friends and relatives has changed the lifestyle in terms of better knowing about each other. Children can be comfortable with the technology at the earlier stage and will learn how to distribute information and upload pictures due to its connectivity on the Internet. After connecting these systems on social networks, outcomes are different as study also reflected the contribution of these sites on major decisions which can be discussed on a collaborative platform. Another purpose of computing technology is to provide advanced information services and communication, in order to earn money. The information on the Internet must have improved functionality that facilitates people with more knowledge and for the competitors to attract more customers. The impacts can be devastating in terms of social bullying. The selling of information to the third party may also lead to the invasion of privacy which can also apply to Identity theft. For instance, as soon as the computers are connected to the Internet, they are vulnerable. Moreover, the financial status of an individual can be revealed which can also be harmful. The ultimate goal is to provide advance life for the society. The data collected on the databases of these websites can be traded to companies for knowing their customers better or other third parties who may use it for earning money and defining marketing strategies based on the statistics. Cookies stored on the computers of the user, are used to collect activities of the user highlighting the likeness and dislike nesses of user interest. There is no credibility that the data provided by these computerized social networks to the advertising practices may comprise an invasion of privacy. References SMP Retrieved 6/13/2011, 2011, from http://www.socialmediaportal.com/Search/Default.aspx?Tag=SMP Cyberbully definition from PC magazine encyclopedia Retrieved 6/13/2011, 2011, from http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=cyberbully&i=40624,00.asp A suicide victim and the town that turned on her cyber-bully - americas, world - the independent Retrieved 6/13/2011, 2011, from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/a-suicide-victim-and-the-town-that-turned-on-her-cyberbully-760241.html 5 problems with social networking in the workplace Retrieved 6/13/2011, 2011, from http://www.information-management.com/specialreports/2009_165/social_networking_media-10016208-1.html The strength of internet ties | pew research centers internet & american life project Retrieved 6/13/2011, 2011, from http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2006/The-Strength-of-Internet-Ties.aspx Read More