TEXT 2. COMPUTER AS A FOE

Despite superb features there is also a dark side of computer technology because every invention brings us not only benefits but also threats. Anybody who has ever come into contact with technology has begun building a dependence upon it. Our society has developed technological dependence. When computers are down, our way of life breaks down: planes stop flying, telephones don’t work, banks have to close.

Inappropriate and excessive use of computers leads to a problem referred to as computer addiction. Computer addiction is not limited to video games. Excessive use of the Internet has already been termed by psychologists as Internet addiction disorder (IAD) which is reported to be on the increase. More and more people are spending time in cyberspace, in a virtual world of their own making. If not treated, this condition can lead to diminished social skills and deterioration in the addict's quality of life.

Computers produce electronic waste, plastic cases and microchips that are not biodegradable and have to be recycled or just thrown away. An estimated 50 million tons of e-waste are produced each year. The USA discards 30 million computers each year and 100 million phones are disposed of in Europe each year. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only 15-20% of e-waste is recycled, the rest of these electronics go directly into landfills and incinerators.

Unauthorized use of personal data or receiving unwanted electronic messages leads to loss of privacy. There are many ways young people and adults can lose their privacy on the Internet, and all have their own dangers. Disclosing your address, telephone number, or even your name to a stranger can put you or family members in danger.

It is estimated that today at least 75% of all jobs involve some level of computer use; this means three-quarters of the workforce are being exposed to numerous health problems: nervous repetitive movement of joints, severely reduced eyesight, blurred vision, overall eye tiredness and Dry Eye, which results in itchy sore and even the illusion that something is stuck in your eye. Another medical issue caused by the use of computers is back and posture problems, that result in severe and acute pain in the back, neck and shoulders. Computers also cause loss of the ability to fully focus our attention which is referred to as “attention deficit”.