Blog #2 Computers impact on society

Personal computers (PCs) are electrical machines that are capable of performing calculations on various types of information by using a stored set of instructions. PCs are used for work, leisure, and educational purposes (p. 235). Some of the PCs equipment can include a monitor(screen), tower, keyboard and a mouse. How is a PC used? In my previous blog, I stated that a PC is so essential in my life because I use it daily, from my school work, to paying bills and of course my job. Since its introduction to households, PCs have impacted the innovation of communication technology.

The impact of computers has been at an all-time high, penetration of PCs in a household held a rate of 70% in 2003 and is now estimated at 90%. According to online lecture, study shows at least ¼ of U.S. household have more than 1 PC. So why does society like PCs so much? Discussion of the research presented by Dutton, Rogers, and Jun explained the adaptation of PCs, “This strong relationship exists because home computers are an “active” innovation… that involves the adopter/user in puzzle-solving behavior” (p. 243). 

Since its adaption to society, PCs have been known to cause certain affects in individual’s leisure time. Increased computing caused less time spent sleeping, watching TV, listening to radio or reading books and less social interactions. However, there were positive behavior when using a PC. Time spent on PCs increased but it gave individuals the initiative to complete work, especially school work. “Computing increases the amount of time studying...” (pg.239). PCs have their pros and cons but it does depend on the usage of the actual device. Users spend on average 6 – 17 hours per week computing.  That can calculate to at least 1 to 2.4 hours per day. It may not seem a lot but looking at a screen for 2 hours can strain your eyes. We can admit that PCs change our behavioral patterns but it allows us to gain more knowledge and become successful in our work. 

References

Dutton, W. H., Rogers, E. M., & Jun, S.-H. (1987). Diffusion and Social Impacts of Personal Computers. Communication Research, 14(2), 219–250. https://doi.org/10.1177/009365087014002005

Blog #1 Computers are essential

One of the most interesting communication technologies I have experienced are personal computers (PCs). As a 7-year-old, I remember my dad bringing in this new box that read DELL and in it came with bulky monitor and tower. It’s crazy to think that I was discovering a new wave of digital communication at such a young age. I will never forget the sound of the AOL dial up tone and thinking, how much slower can this thing be? I watched and learned how to use this object and then eventually mastered the use of the computer and internet. Computers have been such a big part of my life that I don’t think I could be without one. It is so essential in my college career, because it's necessary to have access to the internet. I use my computer for everyday life including: shopping, paying bills, and of course my job. According to class lecture, penetration of PC’s in a U.S. household is at 90%.  Others should be mindful that computers are a part of life because it gives us the opportunity to have fast access to information that is needed.  It's unfortunate that not all can have access to a computer but because of a such high demand for them they are now installed in most public libraries and in all university libraries.