Are Americans Becoming Too Dependent On Computers (Essay Sample)

Are Americans Becoming Too Dependent On Computers
[Name of the Writer]
[Name of the Institution]
Are Americans Becoming Too Dependent On ComputersIntroduction
The world that we live in today is one that is wholly dependent upon technology, which allows individuals from all four corners of the globe to be constantly interconnected with each other. Both professional and personal lives incorporate various aspects of computers; such as emailing, web searching, typing documents or editing pictures and sound, and allow an individual to conduct his life in a more efficient manner (Bauerlein, 2008). However, despite the plethora of benefits that are synonymous with computer usage, there are also a lot of negative consequences. Many have vehemently argued that excessive computer usage has resulted in Americans becoming entirely dependent upon this technology, resulting in weakening of eyesight, lack of physical exercise, deterioration of interpersonal relationships, inability to make mental calculations.
Discussion
Firstly, it cannot be denied that computers have an indelible impact upon a person’s social life and allows them to be updated in real time with each other. This is because the advent of the World Wide Web has brought forth a multitude of common media stages, such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Instagram, Pinterest, and Linkedin. All these platforms allow individuals to be constantly updated with whatever is happening in the lives of their friends, families and coworkers (Cortada, 2004). Many argue that this allows us to formulate stronger social lives, as we are more closely connected than ever (Krause & Petro, 2003). We no longer need to physically visit or meet a person in order to remain abreast with the updates in their lives, thus allowing us to remain connected with a person irrespective of where they live. However, others argue that people have become extremely inefficient at communicating in live and face-to-face situations, thus deteriorating physical relationships and live connections with their dear ones (Carr, 2014). Critics link excessive computer usage with the increase divorce and separation rates in America, as people no longer know how to effectively communicate with their spouses, and there is a breakdown in marital intimacy (Vickery, Matson & Vickery, 2012). Thus, it cannot be denied that computers have now infiltrated into every aspect of an individual’s social life.
Secondly, computers help ease one’s professional work, such as conducting business or academic research. A simple Google search allows one to peruse entire libraries from all four corners of the world, and businesses are increasingly turning towards Skype and Microsoft to conduct online business meetings and conference (Vickery, Matson & Vickery, 2012). Gone are the days where all members of an organization would have to be physically present in order for a meeting to be conducted.
However, critics argue that increasing dependency upon computers is evident from the fact that obesity levels are higher than ever before, and the eyesight of an average American is far lower than what it was a decade ago (Carr, 2014). These two health problems, as well as others such as back problems, aching wrists and headaches, are all testament to the fact that Americans are conducting their entire personal and professional lives on laptops, iPads and desktops.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what becomes evident from the aforementioned argume...