Lesson 25 — Activity 2: How Can Technology Harm a Community?


Warm Up


Technology has also had some negative effects on society. In this activity, you will examine some of these effects.

Woman stressed at computer

Technology has contributed to environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, unemployment, and the creation of ethical dilemmas. Some of these negative effects have caused social communities to become isolated from human contact. For example, e-mail and text messages filters out personal and social cues that are received when speaking face to face and is less personal than traditional mail, and it has been argued that it has led to depersonalization and impacted interactions between individuals.

Two boys looking at cell phones

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 E-mail can even be used to limit contact with others. We see this when a person deliberately sends an e-mail when he or she wishes to avoid personal contact regarding an issue.


Medical problems are another growing issue from the use of computers. As more and more work, education, and recreation involves computers, there is a need to be aware of the hazard of injury to the hands and arms that can result from the use of computer keyboards and mice. This can be a serious and very painful condition that is far easier to prevent than to cure. It is not uncommon for people to have to leave computer-dependent careers or even become disabled because of computer-related medical conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.


Technology can also cause problems in industries. As computers become more widely used to manufacture automobile parts, the use of manual labour jobs decreases at an alarming rate. Jobs that were once considered open for humans are now being taken over by technology. This may result in people being forced to work in unskilled labour jobs instead.


Self-check!


Try This!

Determine if the following statements are true or false.

1. E-mail is more personal than written letters.

2. Medical issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome have been a major concern for individuals who use computers at work.

3. Technology filters out the physical aspects of personal and social contact.



1. False

2. True

3. True