Although there are disadvantages to using a computer, we believe the advantages greatly outweigh the disadvantages (although we may be biased). Below is a list of the main advantages and benefits you’ll get from using a computer.
Increase your productivity
Computers increase your productivity and, with a good understanding of the software running on them, you become more productive in everything you do. For example, once you have a basic understanding of using a word processor, you can create, store, edit, share, and print documents and letters. Each of these things was either impossible or slower with all pre-existing technologies.
Connects you to the Internet
Connecting a computer to the Internet is what unlocks the full potential of a computer. Once connected, your choices and available options are almost limitless. Many of the benefits listed on this page are with a computer connected to the Internet.
Can store vast amounts of information and reduce waste
Computers are capable of storing and accessing vast amounts of information. For example, a computer and devices like eBook readers can store hundreds or thousands of books, given enough storage capacity. By being able to store books, documents, movies, pictures, and songs digitally, you can quickly find what you need with a search and share information between devices. It eliminates the need for paper and plastics used to make non-digital versions of the media.
Helps sort, organize, and search through information
A computer can use its stored information more efficiently than any other device. In our earlier example, we mentioned the ability to store thousands of books. Once those books are stored on a computer, they can be sorted into categories, alphabetized, and searched to find what you’re looking for in less than a minute. Trying to find the same text in a thousand books would take human months, if not years.
Get a better understanding of data
Computers can also give you a better understanding of data and big data. For example, a business could have a database of items they’ve sold. Using that data, they can quickly identify what sells best at what time of year, when to mark up or down items, and what items are not selling. Having access to this type of information can give the business a better understanding of their customers and a competitive edge against their competitors.
Keeps you connected
Computers help keep you connected with long-distance friends and family over e-mail and social networking. You can also connect with millions of other people that share the same interests as you through online forums, chat, and VoIP services, like Skype. Being able to connect to people all around the world is also an excellent way to meet people you would normally never meet.
Another great thing about communication on the Internet is that it’s fast compared to other forms of communication. For example, you could send someone an e-mail on the other side of the planet, and has it arrived in less than a few minutes. Snail mail (postal mail) could take days or even weeks to arrive.
Help you learn and keep you informed
The computer connected to the Internet is a great learning tool and something that helps answer almost any question, teaching you anything that interests you. You can also access news around the world to keep up-to-date with all of the latest news, weather, and stories around the world. You could learn a new profession by reading websites or watching videos. You could even sign up for online courses that teach you about any subject you’d learn in school.
Can make you money
When connected to the Internet, a computer could help you make money in many different ways. For example, it’s cheaper to create and run an online store than having a physical store. Also, once online, your store or product has a global audience, and you could sell to anyone in the world.
In addition to helping you make money, the computer with a spreadsheet is an excellent tool for keeping track of your finances and break down your spending habits.
Improves your employment options
Knowing how to use a computer and having a computer can improve your employment options and allow you to work from home. For example, in the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, many offices needed their employees to work from home. Knowing how to use a computer and having a computer at home allowed many office workers to continue their work even during the crisis.
Improves your abilities
Are you not the best speller has a poor grammar, not great at math, don’t have a great memory, or need help with something else? Using a computer improves all your abilities, or if you have a hard time learning, you can rely on the computer as an assistant.
Helps automate and monitor
A computer can be programmed to complete a task and, once done, made to repeat that task as many times as needed. For example, a computer could be programmed to move a robotic arm that builds a part for a car or filter, sort, respond and forward incoming e-mails.
A computer can automate most imaginable tasks and can also be programmed to wait for something to occur. For example, computers connected to a camera can be programmed to watch for movement and, when detected, send an alert and begin recording.
Save time
Today, many services help save you time. Several examples are listed below.
Using a site like Amazon, you can find many of the same products you would find at a store for the same price or cheaper. You can also have those items shipped to your door without having to leave your home.
You could use an online banking site to view your bank balance and pay bills.
If your favorite restaurant has a website, you can order take out without having to wait in line. You can view online traffic cameras and maps with traffic information to find the quickest route.
Assist the physically challenged
Computers are an excellent tool for the physically challenged. For example, Stephen Hawking used a computer to speak, which wouldn’t be as easy without a computer. Computers are also great tools for the blind, with special software, it can read what is on the screen.
Finally, for those who have a hard time leaving the house, shopping, or socializing, a computer helps with all of these tasks.
Keep you entertained
With a computer, you could store and listen to millions of songs and watch a DVD or Blu-ray movie if you have a disc drive. When connected to the Internet, you could watch an endless amount of streaming and online videos from popular sites, like Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube.
What are the disadvantages of using a computer?
Although there are many advantages to using a computer, there are also many disadvantages (like most things in life). Below is a list of many of the disadvantages of using a computer and what type of problems you may personally encounter.
Carpal tunnel and eye strain
A computer requires a lot of repetitive movement that often leads to carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, moving your hand from your keyboard to a mouse and typing are all repetitive and can cause injuries. Taking breaks, keeping the proper posture, and understanding computer ergonomics can all help prevent or delay these injuries.
Too much sitting
Too much of anything is bad and too much sitting for a long time and becoming a mouse potato can lead to health problems. Substituting a traditional desk for a standing desk is not a perfect solution. Studies show that standing for long periods of time is not healthy, but is better than sitting. The best solution is to take frequent breaks to move around, stretch, and exercise.
Short attention span and too much multitasking
With today’s computers, computer devices, and the Internet we have all become hooked on instant gratification. As you use a computer and the Internet and get immediate answers to your questions and requests, you become accustomed to getting that quick dopamine fix. You can become easily frustrated when something doesn’t work or is not answered in a timely matter.
With a reduced attention span, it is also not uncommon to multitask more and work on more than one thing at the same time. Many studies show that multitasking is less productive, can cause more mistakes, and may even be bad for your brain.
Can limit learning and create a dependency
If you can remain focused, a computer with the Internet can be one of the greatest tools in history to learn about anything. It’s also easy to become overly reliant on a computer and other electronic devices. For example, a spell checker is a great tool for finding spelling errors. However, if you never learn the proper spelling of a word and rely on a spell checker or autocorrect, you’re more likely to make spelling errors.
Other tools like grammar checkers, GPS, and calculators are also extremely helpful. However, if you become too reliant on these tools, you may be helpless when they’re not available.
Potential of loss of privacy
With computers storing so much personal information, it’s at risk of getting into the hands of others. Once a malicious person has your information, they could access your online accounts or use identity theft to open other accounts, such as a new credit card under your name.
Time sink and lots of distractions
Although a computer can increase your productivity, it also can waste a lot of your time. For example, you could be trying to learn more about computers and see an interesting link on cooking spaghetti, spending a few minutes reading that page. Then, you read a page about the best path to use, which leads to reading about healthy eating. Two hours later, you realize you never achieved your original goal.
Also, with the popularity of social networks and notifications, you can become easily distracted while you are trying to work.
Increases waste and impacts the environment
With the speed that computers and other electronics get replaced, all of the old devices that get thrown away have a significant impact on the environment.
Can reduce jobs
As computers become smarter and more capable, they also replace the need for many jobs. In the future, it is also not inconceivable that computers can carry out any job.
Trolls, abuse, stalking, and exploitation
Anyone who has spent time on the Internet has encountered abusive people. Unfortunately, with the anonymous nature of the Internet, it is easier to encounter these kinds of people.
With more people sharing information on the Internet, it is also easier for stalkers to find personal information about people and their families. They can also use online services to find information about people.
Finally, the Internet also makes it easier for those who prey on others to find people to exploit.
You could become anti-social or depressed
With all the possibilities available on a computer, it is easy to get obsessed to the point you become anti-social. For example, many online games (e.g., World of Warcraft) are designed to be addictive, causing you to play the game more than being around others. Others may find online shopping so beneficial that they rarely go out to shop.
Social networks can also be an escape from the real world by socializing with friends and family over social networks, like Facebook. Many studies are showing social network sites can be depressing because they only show all the good, fun, and interesting things friends and family are doing. It can result in people believing that other people’s lives are better than theirs.