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Zerina Dedić, II-b

FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY: Advantages and Disadvantages


of Computers

A computer is an electronic device which can perform many tasks like messaging,

calculations, data storage, printing, etc. They were developed in the 1940s. That was the

time when our humanity faced a sudden threat: the war between virtual and real life

communication. On the one hand, computers cause a lot of problems themselves, but on the

other hand they can be used as a powerful tool to spread awareness about those exact

problems and they have other purposes which can be quite helpful sometimes, too. Even

though these machines have revolutionized the whole world and become a necessity, they

have become a threat too. New generations usually claim that their lives would become

impractical and unthinkable without a computer or at least a smart phone since they are able

to find out and analyze any kind of information. In addition to that, computers make us think,

thus, evolve. They can be good means of education considering the fact that they help

students to practice writing, learning, reading etc. In addition to that education in 2020 would

be impossible without computers and Internet in view of coronavirus pandemic. We can use

them to talk to people from all over the world and even see them. As the usage of computer

increased it became a necessity for almost every field to use computers for their operations. They

use computers to diagnose diseases, run tests and for finding the cure for deadly diseases. Also,

they are able to find a cure for many diseases because of computers. Furthermore, computers are

used in defence. For any country, defence is most important for the safety and security of its

people. Computer in this field helps the country’s security agencies to detect a threat which can be

harmful in the future. Above all the defense industry use them to keep surveillance on our enemy.

What's more they are useful in all kinds of research. Whether it’s scientific research, space

research or any social research computers help in all of them. While scientific research has

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Zerina Dedić, II-b

helped us to locate resources and various other useful resources from the earth. Also, due to

them, we are able to keep a check on the environment, space, and society. Yes, computers can

be used as a tool to spread awareness about problems in the environment, they cause a lot

of environmental problems themselves. Pollution caused by the production of computer

hardware, as well as from the cleaning agents used to clean computers, is a great hazard to

the environment and the people that live in it. Unfortunatelly, nature isn't the only one that

suffers from these machines. It can also occure in one's good physical condition. People who

have used the computers for an extensive period of time may complain about headaches,

and pains in their wrists, arms and necks. These pains are often the result of a fixed posture

when using the computer keyboard for a long amount of time. Many computers have CRT, or

Cathode Ray Tube, monitors that give off X-ray radiation that can affect your health, too.

Being exposed to computer radiation can cause cancer, tumors, miscarriage and birth

defects, headaches and insomnia. In addition to that, computer use can result in vision

problems called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Glare on the computer screen, the

reduced level of contrast of text to the background, and letters not being as sharp, or clear as

on print create problems. As previously mentioned, computers can be and are used in

educational purposes nowdays but there are a lot more reasons why children younger than

15 years shouldn't use any kind of artificial intelligence while learning. One of them is that

they are not proven to be safe. Children are being forced by schools to absorb potentially

harmful radiation without choice or parental consent. In 2011, the World Health Organization

classified radiation emitted from technology devices, including lap tops, cell phones, tablets,

wifi, routers, to be a Class 2B carcinogen. Another reason is that they are highly addictive. A

2009 study indicated 1 out of 11 children aged 8-18 years are addicted to technology. Never

in the history of humankind have there been child addictions. Difficult and expensive to treat,

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Zerina Dedić, II-b

in the near future, this will be the job of every health and education professional. Starting now

to restrict usage in school settings, would send a message to students and parents that the

use of technology should be reduced, before it’s too late. They also stop children and adults

from thinking about solving problems. Not to mention scams from people around the world

trying to get money from you. One of the biggest disadvantages of computer is that people

are spending less time communicating with the people face to face. Additionall, they reduce

the need for people to do the same job as a computer can do the job of several people. And

the most important of all – they are not real. Computers break down. When they don't work it

stops companies and people working. Also, all kinds of viruses can cause computers to stop

working and lose valuable data because of them. Personally, I think that the impact of

technology in general on our society is deep. It is both positive and negative. Technology has

largely influenced every aspect of living. It has made life easy, but so easy that it may lose its

charm on day. We can cherish an accomplishment only if it comes after effort. But everything

has become so easily available due to computers that it has lost its value. With everything a

few clicks away, we do not feel any kind of satisfaction after accomplishing something. To

sum up, with the developments in technology, we may be able to enjoy all the pricey luxuries

in life but at the cost of losing its priceless joys.

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