Computer and the society

Understanding Computers in Society

In Nigeria today, computers are everywhere. From JAMB registration centers to POS machines at your local market, from school computer labs to bank ATMs, computers have become part of our daily lives. But are computers completely good for society? Let’s look at both sides.

When you visit any government office like FRSC for driver’s license or NIS for international passport, computers help process your application faster than the old paper system. However, some workers lost their jobs when computers replaced manual record keeping. This shows that computers bring both benefits and challenges to our society.

Positive Effects of Computers on Society

1. Speed and Efficiency

Computers process information much faster than humans. What used to take hours or days now takes minutes. For example, WAEC can now release results online within weeks instead of waiting months for printed result slips. Banks process transfers instantly instead of waiting days for cheque clearing.

2. Improved Communication

Social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram help Nigerians stay connected with family abroad. Video calls through Zoom or Google Meet let students attend classes from home. Emails reach recipients instantly instead of waiting days for postal service.

3. Better Education and Learning

Students can now access educational videos on YouTube, practice JAMB past questions online through platforms like MySchool.ng, and research topics using Google. E-learning platforms help students who cannot afford private lessons. During COVID-19, many schools continued teaching through online classes.

4. Healthcare Improvements

Hospitals use computers to store patient records, making it easier for doctors to track medical history. Diagnostic machines like CT scanners and X-ray machines use computer technology. Pharmacies can quickly check drug interactions to prevent dangerous prescriptions.

5. Job Creation

New computer-related jobs emerged like software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, computer engineers, and ICT teachers. Companies like Andela, Flutterwave, and Paystack employ thousands of Nigerians in tech roles. Many young people earn money through web design, graphics, and digital marketing.

6. Better Business Operations

Small business owners use computers for accounting with software like QuickBooks. POS machines help market traders accept card payments. Online platforms like Jumia and Konga let businesses reach customers across Nigeria without physical shops.

7. Accurate Record Keeping

Government agencies like INEC use computers to maintain voter registers. FRSC tracks vehicle registrations digitally. Banks keep accurate records of all transactions. This reduces errors that were common with manual systems.

8. Entertainment and Leisure

Nigerians enjoy movies on Netflix, music on Spotify, and games on computers and phones. Content creators make money from YouTube and Instagram. The entertainment industry grew because computers make production easier.

Negative Effects of Computers on Society

1. Unemployment and Job Displacement

Many workers lost jobs when computers replaced manual tasks. Typists became unnecessary when everyone could type on computers. Bank tellers reduced as ATMs and mobile banking took over. Factory workers lost jobs to automated machines.

2. High Cost of Purchase and Maintenance

Computers are expensive to buy, especially for poor families and underfunded schools. A decent laptop costs between N150,000 to N500,000. Regular maintenance, repairs, and software updates add extra costs. Many Nigerian schools still lack computer labs due to high costs.

3. Cybercrime and Fraud

Internet fraud popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” became common among Nigerian youths. Hackers steal money from bank accounts. Scammers use fake websites to collect credit card details. Phishing emails trick people into revealing passwords. This damaged Nigeria’s reputation internationally.

4. Health Problems

Spending long hours on computers causes eye strain, back pain, and neck problems. Poor sitting posture leads to spinal issues. Computer Vision Syndrome affects many office workers. Reduced physical activity contributes to obesity and related diseases.

5. Privacy and Security Concerns

Personal information stored on computers can be hacked or leaked. Social media companies collect data about users. Surveillance cameras connected to computers raise privacy questions. Identity theft became easier with digital records.

6. Digital Divide

Not all Nigerians have equal access to computers. Urban areas have better computer facilities than rural villages. Rich students access laptops and internet while poor students struggle. This creates inequality in educational opportunities.

7. Social Isolation and Addiction

People spend more time on computers and less time with family. Children prefer computer games to outdoor play. Social media addiction affects productivity. Face-to-face communication skills declined among young people.

8. Moral and Ethical Issues

Students use computers to cheat in exams by storing notes. Plagiarism became easier with copy-paste. Children access inappropriate content online. Cyberbullying through social media causes emotional harm.

Comparison of Positive vs Negative Effects

Common Exam Mistakes

WAEC Chief Examiners report that students often make these mistakes when answering questions about computers and society:

• Listing without explaining: Writing “computers create jobs” without explaining what types of jobs or how
• Confusing positive and negative effects: Placing unemployment under positive effects instead of negative
• Giving the same point twice: Saying “speed” and “faster processing” as separate points
• Using vague language: Writing “computers are good” instead of specific impacts like “improved healthcare delivery”
• Not reading the question: Listing all effects when question asks for only positive or only negative effects
• Poor examples: Using foreign examples instead of Nigerian context that examiners can relate to

Practice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is a positive effect of computers on Nigerian society?
a) Increased unemployment
b) Rise in cybercrime
c) Faster processing of JAMB registration ✓
d) Social isolation

2. The use of computers in banks has led to all the following EXCEPT:
a) Faster transaction processing
b) Reduction in human tellers
c) Introduction of ATM services
d) Complete elimination of fraud ✓

3. Which Nigerian government agency uses computers for voter registration?
a) FRSC
b) INEC ✓
c) NAFDAC
d) EFCC

4. A negative health effect of prolonged computer use is:
a) Improved eyesight
b) Better posture
c) Computer Vision Syndrome ✓
d) Increased physical activity

Essay Questions

Question 1: State five positive effects of computers on Nigerian society. (10 marks)

Examiner’s tip: Use the command word “state” correctly – give clear points with brief explanations. Include specific Nigerian examples like JAMB, POS machines, or government agencies.

Sample Answer:

1. Speed and efficiency in processing information like WAEC results release
2. Improved communication through social media and email services
3. Better healthcare delivery with digital patient records and diagnostic machines
4. Creation of new employment opportunities in software development and ICT
5. Enhanced business operations through accounting software and online sales platforms

Question 2: Explain four negative effects of computers on society. (12 marks)

Examiner’s tip: “Explain” requires more detail than “state”. For each point, say what it is and give reasons or examples why it happens.

Sample Answer:

1. Unemployment: Many workers lost jobs when computers automated tasks. For example, bank tellers reduced as ATMs took over cash withdrawals, and typists became unnecessary as everyone learned to type.
2. Cybercrime: Computers enabled internet fraud which damaged Nigeria’s reputation. Hackers steal from bank accounts and scammers use fake websites to collect personal information.
3. Health problems: Prolonged computer use causes eye strain, back pain, and neck problems. Poor sitting posture leads to spinal issues among office workers and students.
4. Digital divide: Not all Nigerians have equal access to computers. Students in Lagos have better computer facilities than those in rural areas, creating educational inequality.

Question 3: Discuss the impact of computers on employment in Nigeria. (8 marks)

Examiner’s tip: “Discuss” means present both positive and negative sides with balanced explanation.

Sample Answer:

Computers have both positive and negative impacts on employment in Nigeria. On the positive side, computers created entirely new job categories like software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and digital marketers. Companies like Andela and Flutterwave employ thousands in tech roles. Small businesses hire web designers and graphics artists.

However, computers also caused job losses through automation. Many typists, clerks, and data entry officers lost employment when computer systems replaced manual record keeping. Bank tellers reduced significantly with ATM and mobile banking introduction. Factory workers faced displacement as automated machines took over production tasks. The challenge is that more traditional jobs disappeared than new tech jobs were created.

Memory Aids

Remember positive effects with CHEESE:

• Communication improved
• Healthcare better
• Education enhanced
• Efficiency increased
• Speed of processing
• Employment created

Remember negative effects with CHUD:

• Cybercrime increased
• Health problems
• Unemployment caused
• Digital divide widened

Related Topics

• Social implications of computers
• Computer ethics and security
• Impact of computers on education
• Computer crime and cybersecurity
• Digital literacy in Nigeria