Below is a summary of a discussion between six T171 students on whether
the microprocessor was the most important invention of the last century. It is merely designed
to make you think for yourself on the different effects the microprocessor has on our lives.
Effect on Employment
net loss of jobs when all factors considered?
many jobs lost as being replaced by machines/computeres?
created jobs also - service industry for computing
more opportunity to develop jobs in new areas rather than production/manufacturing
shift in jobs market means retraining for most
instead of people operating machines computers are operating machines and people operating the computers
layers of employment being taken away by other countries as economy shifts direction away from manufacturing
computers being taught in schools increases job prospects for kids
working hours no longer 9 - 5 - expected to take work home
lower wages for skilled people made redundant by firms closing
less prospects for older redundant employees trying to find work in computerized industry
Privacy
infringement of privacy by increased use of computers?
increase in junk mail through e-mail facilities - e-mail is invasion of privacy (used to be for work purposes only)
banking details etc. can be viewed by anyone who has a computer
Big Brother is watching you - every detail of life is recorded somewhere
Data Protection Act needs to be enforced rigidly so personal life stays personal for those who want it to
Lack of Human Interaction
people spend more time in front of a computer than with their family and friends
more and more people bringing work home (no longer "office hours")
computers interactive but in impersonal way
e-mail friends instead of phone or meet them (or text messages)- handy for long distant relationships but very impersonal otherwise
better family life as parents actually in the home rather than the office but....
not interacting within the family life - just working!
Effect on Working Environment
becoming increasingly difficult to see dividing link between work and home
leading to lack of interaction with family members
more people working from home as a result of computer capability
Effect on personal life
people becoming more stressed
more demand for things instantly - less patience
more workaholics developing
less dangerous work undertaken so less time taken off work due to injuries
whole new area of industrial injuries like RSI and back and eye problems
everyday jobs like shopping made easier especially for some disabled people
