The Social Impact of the Computer

When did computers begin to have an affect on people? Since the 1950’s Until now! After 1984 it was the period of the “HOME” computer And since then… The INTERNET for the millions!

HOW HAVE WE BEEN AFFECTED? WorkplaceEducation Home Life CommunityGlobal

What HAVE we done? Created a “DIGITAL DIVIDE” -Between the old and the young -Between parents and children -Between male and female -Between the rich and poor

What HAVE we done? Look at almost any job description! Qualifications for a secretary Warehouse supervisor -must be computer literate We have changed people’s lives For good or bad?

Have we become too dependent on computers? Have we become too dependent on -steel-television -cars-housing -electricity-airplanes -telephones

What have we done for Society? Provided a new industry with expanding employment needs New life for older industries Improved communications Changed the “Atomic Age” into the “Information Age”

What are the dangers? What are the advantages?

Should we NOT continue to develop the computer? Progress, Development, Evolution Whatever we do We will not stop progress We will not stop progress We will not stop people using products in ways that we do appreciate We will not stop people using products in ways that we do appreciate And we WILL find new uses and applications that will be advantageous And we WILL find new uses and applications that will be advantageous