Computers have many functions in todays society. It would be hard to find any utility, service, or occupations that don’t involve the use of computers in some form or fashion. The implementation of computers into modern society can be linked to a variety of ways that it makes the world safer. Although it is also a double-edged sword, computers give nefarious actors many opportunities to cause harm through the use of computers and technology.  

One way that computers have made the world safe is through advancing better healthcare. Keeping the public healthy and being able to provide almost instant diagnosis and provide accurate treatment quickly and efficiently would not be nearly as effective without taking advantage of the computing power technology offers. One of the most important developments in healthcare and technology in recent years is the creation of wearables and apps that allow patients to track important health information instantly. These devices can instantly transfer data to medical providers. 

The use of technology in the creation of “smart cities” provides many safety advantages to citizens. The use of computers can help to better use natural resources, by monitoring energy and water consumption to minimize waste, which has many valuable impacts on the environment. Things like traffic lights operate off computers and make driving on the roads a much safer experience. Can you imagine if there were not traffic lights?  

The rise in the use of computers can also make a lot of jobs safer through the use of automation. Being able to monitor vital stats and use technology to automate dangerous tasks helps keep employees safer. You can find plenty of automation throughout the engineering, manufacturing, construction industries among many others. The use of computers in police cars can also be seen as significant to making the world safer. The ability to communicate quickly and receive instant information and directions make policing a lot more streamlined and easier for officers to respond.  

Potential threats caused by the use of computers include sensitive data vulnerable to breaches. The threat of hacking critical infrastructure and causing critical utilities to fail. And the use of computers in cyber warfare between nations are ways that computers can also make the world unsafe.  

Citations

Jones, Howie. “10 Great Ways Technology Makes Life Easier and Safer.” Baseline, 6 Mar. 2024, www.baselinemag.com/innovation/technology-makes-life-easier/.