The influence of computers on safety is only one of the many profound changes they have wrought in our lives. By advancing safety-critical systems and technologies, computers have on the one hand contributed to a safer society. On the other hand, they have additionally added new dangers and weaknesses that have decreased global security. These three examples illustrate how computers have both increased and decreased global safety. First off, computers have improved safety in transportation. The incidence of collisions and traffic deaths has dropped as a result of the development of computerized safety technologies in automobiles such anti-lock brakes as well as electronic stability control. Additionally, by lowering the possibility of crashes and enhancing communication between aircraft and control towers, the introduction of computerized air traffic control systems has considerably increased aviation safety. Second, computers have transformed healthcare by enabling quicker and more precise disease detection and treatment. Computers are used to produce detailed pictures of the body as part of medical imaging technologies like MRI and CT scans, which aid doctors in early illness detection and diagnosis. Additionally, the ease with which healthcare professionals can now communicate patient data thanks to electronic health records has helped to lower the possibility of medical mistakes and enhance patient safety. Computers have increased certain hazards, but they have also created new ones, lessening overall safety. Cybercrime is one of the main issues. Hackers may exploit computers to perpetrate fraud, steal financial and personal information, and conduct cyberattacks that have the power to take down whole computer networks. Critical infrastructure, such power grids and transportation networks, is becoming more and more dependent on networked computer systems, which makes these systems more open to cyber assaults. Thirdly, the expansion of social media has both increased and decreased global safety. Social media platforms have on the other hand made it easier for individuals to interact and communicate with one another, fostering global connectivity and giving social and political activity a forum. Social media, on the other side, has given birth to cyberbullying, harassment, and hate speech, all of which can have major negative consequences for one’s mental health and safety. Therefore, both good and negative effects of computers on safety have been seen. While they have made improvements in safety-critical systems possible, such those in transportation and healthcare, they have additionally raised concerns about new hazards and vulnerabilities that might endanger both personal and national security. In order to make sure that the advantages of computers exceed the hazards, it is crucial to be aware of these dangers and take action to reduce them.
