Trends and Issues on the Use of Computers

     To say that computers are ubiquitous in the workplace is already stating the obvious.  In fact, the prevalence of computers goes beyond the workplace.  It is practically integrated into the daily grind of our personal life.  Computers are so indispensable that we almost always pay close attention to the trends and issues that surround its use.

     Our curiosity is usually stirred by even the slightest “novelty” on the use of computers.  We are all ears in finding out the latest trend in computers and eventually jump into the bandwagon once we cannot anymore resist the “itch”.  Current trends in the use of computers are numerous.  Paving the way is the portability of computers, which are now becoming smaller and smaller from desktops to laptops to tablets.  Transporting them is not anymore a question of how but where.  Multi-functionality is also included in this list as most computers are the “all-in-one” variety.  The challenge is not anymore about what the computer can do but how to maximize its functionality.  The proliferation of on-demand applications makes the use of computers more dynamic as we can download anywhere and anytime via wireless technology.  The limitation here is only our imagination.  These trends make the use of computers more exciting and challenging.  Productivity and convenience in both our professional and personal lives headline these trends.  “Riding the trends” is the way to go.  The only thing that can hold us back is the cost that comes with these trends.  Like everything else that is new, cost is prohibitive.

     My personal take on this is the undeniable fact that there is really nothing wrong with “riding the trend.  After all, these trends are the kind of changes that bring further improvements.  However, like all good things, these trends come with a heavy price tag.  There is a downside to all these positives.  This downside comes in the form of issues.  Issues alert us to take a second look at how we view and use computers.  In our obsession to continuously update and upgrade our computers, we become more dependent on their use to the point that we cannot function anymore without them.  We cannot write a decent correspondence anymore without the aid of computers.  We cannot communicate without the services of computers.  Computers became so integral to what we do that we cannot function without them.  This heavy reliance on computers is only the beginning of a myriad of issues that complicates their use.  The productivity and convenience that we celebrate with the use of computers are the same things that we stand to lose if we allow ourselves to fall prey to the dictates and whims of the use of computers.  We have to pinch ourselves hard enough as a constant reminder that computers are just tools to what we need and want to do.  As such, they should enable and facilitate, not get in the way of what we do.