Can Computer Technology Improve the Lives in Developing World - Essay Example

Computer technology can lead to a significant improvement because of the very large field of applicability of the technology. In all fields of production, computer technology can lead to higher growth rates. For instance in manufacturing sectors, it can improve the degree and control over automation. In the services sector, the provision of services can be much more efficient both in terms of time and quality. In the agricultural sectors, computer technology can be put to lots of uses such as prediction of weather, evaluating fertilizer effectiveness, and various other research-oriented activities. The enhancement of speed in obtaining and conveying information will also have very significant productivity-increasing impacts.

However, one aspect that has to be kept in mind, particularly when considering developing nations is the fact that while bringing in advanced technology can increase productivity very significantly, it can also be damaging if it leads to a reduction in employment. Often, computer technology leads to labor-saving technologies that lead to the required number of workers falling. Such technologies can harm the developing nations more than the benefits they may lead to. On the other hand, the introduction of computer technology, in general, would require training personnel to adopt that and that, in turn, would create a larger number of jobs.

Therefore, it emerges that computer technology can lead to greater productivity. It can however have significantly damaging consequences by increasing unemployment. Thus, the economies have to be careful and the adoption of these technologies has to be monitored and kept in check to ensure that the adoption does not become purpose defeating in the end.