1. Industry Issues – Production and Health

2. The Environment
Three million computers are sold in Australia each year (Environment Victoria)
More than are dumped in
landfill (Environment Victoria)
The average Mobile handset has only a
two-year lifespan
‘Planned obsolescence’ - Brooks Stevens
Desire to upgrade devices when there is
nothing wrong with the old ones.
If 10 per cent of mobile users unplugged their
phone chargers after their phone is charged enough
power would be saved to run houses for a year (Nokia)
Recycling services

3. Outsourcing and Automation
Cheap labour and developments in
technology has seen more and more
businesses outsourcing labour.
Outsourcing – what is it and what
implications does it have?
The rise of technology has led to more
automated services replacing work
traditionally done by humans.
Automated services – what are they and
what implications do they have?

4. Cost of Production
Have you ever wondered how the devices you own are made, or why they have become so affordable that we can dispose of them after just a couple of years?
Potential forced labour, unpaid overtime and child labour
Apple was compelled to prove that their factories did not use child labour or force people to work
long hours. Despite the denials issued by the company, it became evident that work and
remuneration conditions, while good for China where many Apple products are made, do not
translate well in a western context. Facing minimum 60-hour weeks with additional overtime,
workers as young as 16 put in 12- to 15-hour days, standing without breaks, with only one day off
a week. The workers are housed at night in giant open dormitories that hold up to 700 people in
one room. And all this for as little as $67 a month.

5. Health Health concerns related to mobile technology:
increased exposure to radiation (memory loss,
infertility, leukaemia and eye cancer)
hand and wrist injuries (tendinopathy)
electronic magnetic fields emanating
from mobile phones and towers, wireless
data networks, microwave links
and electrical appliances.
skin irritation, fatigue, digestive problems,
dizziness, sleep problems, attention difficulties,
headaches and memory loss through extended
use of mobile technology. Scientists believe this is caused by electromagnetic
hypersensitivity syndrome.

6. Activities
Has the way we consume information and news, and the ‘always on’ nature of communication channels, created a generation with problems concentrating and thinking clearly for long periods of time? Explain your answer with examples from your experience.
How many automated systems do you deal with in a single day (choose a day when you conduct a number of activities, such as going into the city to watch a movie or meet friends)? Do you expect an increase in the number of machines and automated systems you deal with daily? What sorts of jobs do you think are likely to be displaced?