Effects of Using ICT
Effects of Using ICT
Effects of IT on employment
Many businesses now operate 24 hours per day and 7 days a week, so people need to be more
flexible in their hours of work. They will no longer spend their whole life doing the same job,
so constant retraining will be needed so that they can take advantage of new IT
developments. Many organizations operate internationally and some jobs may be transferred
abroad if the wage costs are lower in another country. Location is no longer an issue with IT
as data can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
The Effects of IT on Working Patterns within
Organizations
1. Computer systems contain one or more microprocessors for the main processing and
this is called the CPU.
2. Washing machines – used to control valves to let the water in, motors to turn the
drum, pumps to pump the water out, heaters to heat water up, and so on.
3. Children’s toys – use microprocessors to control lights, motors, speakers, etc.
4. Heating systems
5. Alarm systems – can detect the presence of a burglar and some systems will even
contact the police automatically.
6. Intelligent ovens and microwaves –
7. Intelligent fridges
The Effects of Microprocessor-Controlled Devices
on Leisure Time
1. Mobile phones, laptops, netbooks, tablets, etc., mean employees can do more work on the
move and at home, which can mean that they have less time for family life.
2. Electrical appliances controlled by microprocessors can complete tasks such as washing and
drying clothes, washing dishes, and cooking meals, which can leave a person free to do other
things.
3. People can become lazy and rely on machines.
4. Lack of fitness as people are not spending time doing manual work.
5. Can use the extra time saved to go to the gym or exercise more.
6. Many people spend their leisure time playing games, surfing the net, downloading and
listening to music, etc., on computers and games consoles
1. Mobile phones, SMS (texting), email, blogs, social networking sites, chat rooms, and
instant messaging make it much easier to keep in touch with friends and family.
2. It is easy to make new friends in chat rooms and using social networking sites.
3. Cheap internet phone calls, made using a service called VoIP enable people to keep in
contact with friends and family who may live in other countries.
4. Disabled or elderly people who are confined to their home can make friends with
others.
5. It is much easier to find out about social activities, e.g. classes, concerts, activities,
etc., using the internet.
The potential health problems related to the prolonged
use of IT equipment
The main health problems are: