Reasons for & Effects of Using Computers

The entry point into Topic 3 — economic reasons for computer use, the digital divide, ergonomics/health, and the start of 'green computing', a theme that runs right through to Grade 12.

Economic reasons for using computers:

Saving paper — digital documents reduce printing costs and physical storage needs.
Saving labour — automation reduces the number of people/hours needed for repetitive tasks.
Communication costs — digital communication (email, messaging) is far cheaper than traditional postal/long-distance methods.
Efficiency — tasks are completed faster than manual methods.
Accuracy — reduces human error in calculations and data processing.
Reliability — computers can perform the same task consistently, without fatigue.

Digital divide: The gap between people who have ready access to computers/the Internet and the digital literacy to use them effectively, and those who do not.

Reasons for the digital divide include: cost of hardware/connectivity, lack of infrastructure (e.g. no electricity or network coverage in rural/remote areas), lack of digital literacy/education, and socio-economic inequality.

Ergonomics and health issues from computer use:

Issue	Cause	Prevention
RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)	Repeated motions, e.g. typing or mouse use over long periods	Regular breaks, proper posture, ergonomic equipment
Eye strain	Prolonged screen viewing, poor lighting, glare	20-20-20 rule (every 20 min, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), screen filters, proper brightness
Carpal tunnel syndrome	Compression of the nerve in the wrist, often from poor keyboard/mouse positioning	Ergonomic keyboard/mouse, wrist rests, correct desk/chair height

Green computing — using and disposing of technology responsibly:

Green use — minimising the electrical consumption of computing devices (e.g. power-saving settings, energy-efficient hardware).
Green disposal — responsibly disposing of old computer equipment: proper e-waste recycling, repurposing old devices instead of discarding them, and correctly disposing of hazardous materials like printer cartridges.

💡 Exam Tip

Green computing is a recurring theme (10.3.1 → 12.3.1). Learn a solid base answer now: minimise consumption while in use, and recycle/repurpose responsibly at end-of-life — you'll build on this in later grades.