Are We Too Dependent on Computers?

¶ … statistics and analyzing why this happening. Once this occurs, is when we will offer insights that will help everyone to see the role that computers are playing in the real world.

Over the last 70 years, computers have become a vital part of daily life. The reason why, is because these machines have been shown to be effective in dealing with a host of challenges regarding: the storage, retrieval and mathematical calculations of different pieces of data. This has reduced the amounts of space that are used to store this information on paper and it has increased productivity. Once this took place, is when this tool began to improve an organizations ability to compete in global markets.

Then, in the 1970's is when shift took place with private individuals wanting to become involved in various aspects of computers. This led to the development of the personal computer (PC) and the creation of a universal operating system that improved the ability of these machines to communicate with each other. Once this occurred, is when there was a long-term shift, with computers playing a central role in everyone's lives. As a result, the use computers have become an essential part of what society needs to communicate and stay informed.

Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than the below table which is illustrating the total amount of computer ownership in households based upon the age demographics.

Computer Ownership in U.S. Households (in millions)

Age

Total Number of Households

Under 25-year-old

6,635

25 -- 34

19,811

35 -- 44

22,180

45-54

25,034

55 and over

45,636

Total

119,926

("Computer and Internet Usage," 2009)

These different figures are illustrating how the majority of American households are using computers to be entertained and stay informed. This is significant, because it is showing how PC's have become a major part of everyone's lives. To fully understand this, we will look at: the role that they are playing in society, the way business is conducted and how different organizations are reaching out to stakeholders. Once this occurs, is when we can be able to determine if society has become too dependent upon computers.

The Use of Computers by Consumers

Since the mid-1990's there has been a shift in consumer psychology. What is happening is technology has advanced to the point that many machines are: smaller, more powerful and cheaper. These factors allowed the general public to afford purchasing a host of personal computers. As time has gone by the speed, memory and capabilities of these devices have become more advanced. This has allowed the consumers to be able to use their computers for entertainment, shopping and to stay informed. Over the course of time, this has created situation where larger numbers of households are spending longer hours on their computers. A good example of this can be seen by looking at the below table for household Internet usage.

Household Internet Usage (in millions)

Demographic

Amount

Percentage

Under 25-year-old

4,443

67.0%

25 -- 34

14,707

74.2%

35 -- 44

17,249

77.8%

45 -- 54

18,982

75.8%

55 and over

26,558

58.2%

Total

81,939

68.7%

("Computer and Internet Usage," 2009)

These figures are important, because they are showing how the majority of households have Internet access available. This is changing the way that most people are living their lives, with computers and the Internet playing a central role. Over the course of time, this has created situations where an individual would rather stay on the computer vs. conducting some kind of face-to-face communication. Instead, most people have begun to use social networking, texting, email and instant messaging to speak with one another. This is point that a person will feel a sense of disconnect from society, as they will use computers to take them to an alternate reality. Once this occurs, is when consumers will begin to spend larger amounts of time on their computers in comparison with other activities.

The Use of Computer by Businesses, Governments and other Organizations

Over the decades, there has also been a shift in the kinds of organizations that are utilizing computers to achieve a host of objectives. The reason why, is because they have been shown to lower costs and increase productivity. For businesses, governments, schools and nonprofits this has become a vital tool that they are using to achieve a host of objectives.

Evidence of this can be seen with a study that was conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They found that nearly 77% of employees are using computers at some point during the working day (which is 55.5% of labor force). The below table is illustrating the total amount of computers that are being used in the workplace based on age demographics. ("Computer and Internet use at Work," 2009)

Use of Computers in the American Workplace (in millions)

Demographic

Total Labor Force

Number using Computers

Percentage of Employed

16 and over

137,050

73,055

53.3%

16 -- 24

19,901

6,994

35.1%

25-34

30,487

17,561

56.9%

35 -- 44

35,699

20,700

58.0%

45-54

31,205

18,260

58.5%

55 to 64

14,916

8,023

53.8%

64 and over

4,511

1,757

33.6%

("Computer and Internet use at Work," 2009)

These figures are important, because they are showing how a large number of employers will have their staff spending most of their time utilizing computers. The reason why, is due to the fact that these machines have become a vital part of their organization. As a result, this has allowed them to increase productivity and maximize their profits. However, if there are any kind of issues (such as a security breach) the odds increase that an entity will have to spend billions of dollars addressing them and they could see damage to their reputation. This is significant, because it is showing how many firms have become increasingly reliant on computers to perform a wide variety of tasks and reach out to customers.