What are three ways that computers have made the world safer and less safe?

Computers are an amazing feat of human invention. They have helped improve our lives drastically, but they can also be a danger to society in certain ways. The nice thing about computers is that when everything is working properly, they do not make mistakes that humans would make. This is one of the main things that has made the world safer. However, having computers be one of the main things that control mass amounts of factors of our lives leaves room for catastrophe.

The world has become safer from computers giving us data. Using computer-provided data, we are able to predict things we normally would not be able to predict, read things we either could not read or could not read safely, and monitor large machinery and massive automated facilities. Being able to predict extreme weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes as accurately as we do now would not be possible without modern-day technology. This gives nearby inhabitants an early warning to evacuate or seek shelter. Being able to monitor and manage large facilities with dangerous utilities is easier and safer with computers now, for we just have them do the work from a safe location. In a time like now during a global pandemic, computers have made the world safer by allowing people to continue working and schooling from home. This prevents spreading the virus as rapidly as it would if we were to continue business as usual like before the pandemic. This works for people who must stay home for whatever safety reasons as well, even before the pandemic started. Another way computers have made people safer is through robotics. One of my favorite ideas of use for robotics and automation is to have them do jobs that would normally be too dangerous for a human. Some examples would be bomb disposal, hazardous material handling, or even testing machinery designed to be operated by humans. Using computer-controlled automation for hazardous jobs saves lives.

While there are many advantages to having computers, some safety concerns do come to light. Being able to steal vital information from people has become easier now than before when computers were not prominent. This has identity theft to skyrocket more than ever before. Another safety concern is how well computers can do their job. As I mentioned before, the amazing thing about computers is that they do not make mistakes for all they do is what they are told or programmed to do. However, improper or non-verified coding could lead to catastrophe depending on the scenario. For example, bad coding for a phone app would not be as terrible as bad coding for the software controlling nuclear power plants. So while machines don’t make mistakes, it must be ensured that humans don’t make mistakes first. Another safety concern is how computers have affected the human quality of life. It is certain that computers have made the world safer in numerous ways, but what about when people become addicted to computers. Sometimes people will look at their phone while they’re walking and not look where they are going, sometimes while driving too. Some people go so far that their physical health declines and they become solely independent. These points are not necessarily the computer’s fault, but more so the fault of the person. However, enabling technology to be a major influence on the lives of all of society has further increased the problem of technology addiction.