The Use of Computer to Ones Advantage - Essay Example

Full The Use of Computer to One’s Advantage Modern technology has made a lot of jobs easier nowadays. Machines are now used to carry heavy burdens enabling fast constructions of buildings, roads, bridges and the like. These machines improved with the use of computers to manipulate them. The effects of modern technology are not just limited in such burdensome works but have affected travel and communication as well. Transportation has greatly improved from the carts pulled by horses to the manual cars, buses and trains and now, the computer-operated vehicles. This improvement brought ease and comfort in everyday travels that the world has literally become smaller. Another extent that computers have affected is the communication process. A person on the far end of the world is now able to know what is happening on the other end through television, cell phone or computer. Looking around, most people use these technologies not only to be updated with what is happening around the world but also to keep in touch with families, work and entertain themselves. Computers have become an essential part of everyday life that one cannot imagine being able to survive a day without them. Every move of the modern man now seems to be dependent on computers, from the use of alarm clocks to wake him up to the use of cell phones or computers and the internet to accomplish paper works, send and receive money as well as information, hire employees and many others. Relaxation now involves the computer especially that access to the equipment and the internet is now so easy. Even during sleeping hours, computers are used to ensure the security of people so there is the realization that the computers seem to dominate the world and suggest the activities of humans rather than the other way. This effect of the use of computers is so enormous affecting both adults and children that it has become so alarming. Computer addiction is one of the problems that has been brought about by modern technology and is an issue that is affecting parents and teachers worldwide. The complains about children staying in front of the computer for an extended period of time presents a problem that affects not only their studies but also their health. Studies show that several problems have been reported like lower grades, missed classes and being placed on probation, all attributed to excessive use of the computer (Young). Also at risk is the eye health of computer users. Optometrists observed at least fourteen percent of their patients show eye problems due to computer related activities. Such patients complained of eyestrain, headache, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pains (aoa.org); similar problems also suffered by children who sit too long in front of the computer, risking their health. It is interesting to note that the problem does not only exist in children and teenagers but involves adults as well. Family relationships have been affected because of the irresponsible actions of parents who placed internet use a priority over taking care of the family’s needs. Couples separated due to internet use of one if not both, spending more time connecting with friends through the internet instead of developing relationships with their partners. The thrill of the use of the internet is simply gripping that such circumstances occur and this is a problem that people blame on the birth of the computer and the internet. On the other hand, there are still more advantages of the use of the computer and internet aside from what has already mentioned earlier. If the internet is used to meet new friends, develop, build and even break friendships and affairs, it is also used to share information that are educational. For instance, the internet is full of materials that can be useful for researchers not only in a specific subject matter but has a wide variety of information that are easy to access. This is also advantageous to students because they can do their researches at home through online libraries and are able to submit papers on time without needing to look for their teachers. The beauty of computer can also be seen in a similar manner where work in an office, organization, business or any group could be made easier through file sharing where (Srivastava). Employees can share information through computers that are connected with each other and may not need to stand to bring reports of piles of papers to another office rather would just make a click on the computer to send the files needed. Aside from the aforementioned benefits from computers, the use of the facility at home, work or school cuts budgets largely in the sense that travel can be lessened, purchase of books could be cut and many other activities that need spending can be avoided when one is able to do the tasks in front of the computer. There may be a lot of disadvantages brought about by the rise of the use of computers however, it is undeniable their use is indispensable. The modern man has come a long way to improve his life and make work easier and might find it difficult to start from nothing again. This author does not disregard the fact that there are indeed a lot of problems brought about by increased computer use nevertheless, it is already an individual’s responsibility to look after himself and his family to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be in control of the use of computer and not allow its lure to destroy healthy habits. References n.a. The Effects of Computer Use on Eye Health and Vision. American Optometric Association. 1997. Web. November 15, 2011. . Young, Kimberly S. Internet Addiction: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment. 1999. Web. November 15, 2011. . Srivastava, Swapnil. Advantages and Disadvantages of computer Networks. Buzzle.com: Intelligent Life on the Web. October 10, 2011. Web. November 15, 2011. . Read More