Advantages & Disadvantages of Computers & Internet - Essay Sample

Introduction

Computers and the internet have advantages and disadvantages in equal measure. They are fundamental sources of information globally and a tool that has eased the learning process. Massive amounts of data can be analyzed by the press of a button which saves time and money. On the contrary, the over-reliance on computers has made them detrimental as they reduce healthy social interactions and lead to addiction. In this essay, the advantages and disadvantages of using computers and the internet are discussed in detail (Bremer, 2005).

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The first advantage of computers and the internet is the creation of jobs in the field of information, media, and communication and the gaming industry. Besides, software engineering is also a computer and internet-based profession. Computers create employment opportunities by digitalizing traditional business functions like bookkeeping, accounting, inventory management, and publication and design jobs. These jobs are essential for ensuring that the businesses run smoothly, and as planned.

The second advantage of computers and the internet is in the information and telecommunication industry. Computers and the internet are a fundamental tool used in the expression of our daily activities. They are used in social media, sending and receiving messages from friends and relatives. Electronics such as smartphones allow individuals to send media in different web platforms using the internet, which enables them to give their view of life in their perspective. The internet provides various platforms for communication such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp where people can participate in discussions, forums, and exchange of information in a real-time, efficient process by chatting, and video and audio calls. Therefore, computers and the internet have made it possible to pass information worldwide in a matter of seconds.

The third advantage of computers is that they have reduced paperwork in offices and business organizations. They have improved the quality of work, and accuracy of performance by use of different software machines which aid the execution of various tasks. They enhance production per individual, thus improving the overall productivity of the organization. Further, storing information on the internet by cloud computing has reduced the amount of space required to store office files and documents.

On the other hand, computers have been associated with some disadvantages which are based on addiction arising from continuous use of computers for chatting and gaming. Also, computers and the internet have led to reduced social interaction. Addiction to computers and computer games may have disastrous effects on an individual's life. For instance, Kevin was so involved in gaming that he did not concentrate on his studies, and he ended up failing (Horowitz, 2013). Addiction to computers can lead to health problems of anxiety and depression. Playing too many computer games has been associated with physical damage and increased depression, and anxiety in players, which lead to increased heart rate, and blood pressure. The addiction to gaming has these effects because of the increased excitement, and stress associated with these games.

In addition to the physical and health effects of computer gaming addiction, the internet and computers also have adverse effects on the social lifestyle of individuals. When a person is addicted to the internet, they become withdrawn from society. The addict loses a sense of time, and spends most of the time browsing, playing computer games, and chatting with virtual friends. Also, a gaming addict gives more importance to what happens in the game than in real life (Bremer, 2005). Further, they spend most of their time gaming online, rather than doing social activities which isolates them from colleagues leading to loneliness.

References

Horowitz, A. (2013). A Career in Computer Games . In A. Horowitz, Horowitz Horror (pp. 164-175). London: Hachette Children's Group.

Bremer, J. (2005). The internet and children: advantages and disadvantages. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 14(3), 405-428.