Introduction
While technology systems have undoubtedly improved our lives, there are also undoubtedly some issues related to their use.
Whether this is the threat of hacking and viruses, concerns of privacy and copyright or the impact on our health, safety and the environment, there are legitimate issues we must understand.
In this lesson, we’ll learn about:
- Health & Safety
- Security
- The Environment
- Privacy & Copyright
Health & Safety
The use of technology systems has raised a number of health and safety concerns that users of ICT systems must be aware of to ensure they are not affected.
A number of laws have been passed to ensure businesses take the health and safety of ICT users seriously.
Some of the issues include:
- Back Problems
- Eye Strain
- RSI
- Trip Hazards
Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
Back Problems
Users of technology systems can often suffer from back problems due to the heavy use of the systems.
Users can often lean forward over their keyboard rather than sit in a good posture, and this causes strain on the back.
Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:
- Adjustable chairs
- Monitors that tilt
- Footrests
Eye Strain
Working in front of a computer for long periods of time can lead to eye strain, which can cause blurred vision, nausea & headaches.
Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:
- Taking frequent breaks
- Sitting in a well-lit room
- Reducing screen glare
- Ensuring a good distance is kept between the user and the monitor
RSI
This stands for Repetitive Strain Injury, a general term for pain felt in the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck from heavily repetitive movements performed when using a technology system.
This could be caused by typing at a keyboard or using the mouse for long periods of time, for example.
Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:
- Frequent breaks
- Ergonomic keyboards and mice
- Wrist rests
- Maintaining good posture
Trip Hazards
Technology systems usually involve a lot of cables, such as power cables, network cables, and peripheral device cables, such as for a mouse, keyboard, or monitor.
These can lead to major hazards, such as injury to an employee if they trip over any trailing cables.
Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:
- Concealing cables behind tables, under carpets or through cable ducts.
Security
Technology systems, especially those connected to the internet, are potentially at risk from security threats.
These security threats are normally caused by malicious users who want to gain information from a computer to profit from it financially.
Laws have been passed to help reduce these threats, but they still exist and are a major cause for concern.
Example security issues include:
- Malware
- Hacking
Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
Malware
Short for malicious software, malware are small programs that are designed to attack computer systems. Examples include viruses, spyware, worms & trojans.
These attacks might be to prevent a system from working or possibly to steal data for identity theft and bank fraud.
Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:
- Using anti-virus and firewall software
- Ensuring we don’t download any files we are not sure are safe
Hacking
This is the gaining of unauthorised access to a technology system.
Malicious users, known as hackers, will use a variety of techniques to force their way into a system so that they can read, alter, delete, or steal information.
Any data stolen can then be used for blackmail, identity theft, and bank fraud.
Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:
- Use firewall software
- Using sufficiently complicated passwords.
The Environment
In many ways, technology systems have had a positive impact on the environment.
The internet has reduced the need for travelling, which can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases being released due to fewer cars on the road and planes in the air.
It has also led to less need for paper as documents can be stored on a computer and sent to other people via the Internet.
However, there are environmental issues relating to the use of technology systems, such as:
- Pollution
- Technotrash
Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
Pollution
The manufacturing and running of technology systems can produce air, water, heat, and noise pollution.
For example, you need electricity to run a computer, and this electricity will likely be supplied through fossil fuels, which affects environmental sustainability.
Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:
- Purchasing energy-efficient ICT equipment
- Setting guidelines for turning off machines when not in use
- Ensure power management features are implemented on devices
Technotrash
Huge quantities of electronic devices as discarded each year. These technology systems that we throw away are known as e-waste or technotrash.
Such waste is becoming an increasing problem with handling their disposal, not just because of the quantity but also because they often contain hazardous materials that affect the environment.
Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:
- Recycle all outdated technology
Privacy & Copyright
There has been a lot of concern over how much data is being shared by technology systems, such as over the Internet.
In particular, the amount of private information we share online and the illegal distribution of copyrighted TV, film, and music.
These issues are a huge concern with the use of technology systems. For example:
- Privacy
- Copyright
Let’s take a look at each of these in more detail.
Privacy
We share our bank information with online shops, our personal information & photos on social media, and we send private conversations using email and instant messaging.
Malicious ICT users might try to steal our personal information for identity fraud, bank fraud, or blackmail purposes.
Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:
- Set appropriate privacy settings on social media accounts
- Limit the amount of private information published online
- Set secure passwords and regularly change them so your account cannot be hacked
Copyright
Many copyrighted materials are being illegally distributed online. Films, software, and music are often shared using online streaming services and BitTorrents.
This is illegal due to the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act, but it still happens a lot.
Businesses must ensure they don’t use copyrighted material without permission.
Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:
- Set clear policies on the installation of software within your business to prevent pirated software from being installed.
Lesson Summary
The use of technology systems has raised a number of health & safety concerns that affect users of ICT systems, such as back pain, eye strain, RSI, and trip hazards.
Technology systems, especially those connected to the Internet, are potentially at risk from security threats. These include malware, viruses, and hackers.
In many ways, technology systems have had a positive impact on the environment. However, there have also been negative impacts such as water, air, heat & noise pollution as well as technotrash.
There has been much concern over how much data is being shared by technology systems, such as the Internet, and the illegal distribution of copyrighted TV, film, and music.
