Of computers and Isaac Asimov

- my English essay for the Final Exams, could be better, but here it is...





The computer has changed society today.

Do you agree? Support your opinion.


When the inventor of the computer first introduced the tool that would completely revolutionize the world in the years to come, the public scoffed at the idea. People believed that the computer was a mere figment of a man’s overactive imagination, a concept that only existed in science fiction.

Fast forward to 2008 and you can see how the computer has become a necessity in the 21st century. The invention that came into existence from a singe idea in man truly proves the age-old adage right; before man can fly, man must dream. Who would have thought that an object with an endless supply of statistical data and unrivalled artificial intelligence would be a reality rather than a mere concoction by renowned science-fiction authors like Isaac Asimov and Phillip K. Dick?

The statement ‘computer has changed society today’ could not be truer. If in the past, dogs were said to be man’s best friend. Now, the personal computer has taken up its right to the title. Why is it so, you may ask?

The computer has introduced new ways and solutions to work. Any confidential or important information can be encrypted into the memory of the computer with just a click of your fingertips, safe from prying eyes. In the past, one would have to crack his brain trying to think of a suitable place to keep his important documents. Activities that were so hassling and time wasting are now simplified by this masterpiece of mankind. With the introduction of word-processing software like Microsoft Word and Open Office, one need not complain anymore of blisters caused by hours of writing with a pen.

Besides that, the computer is a window of knowledge. Through the International Network or better known by its layman’s term of the Internet, everyone of every age or creed has access to information of endless and mind-numbing quantities. The latest updates on the earthquake in Sichuan, China are just a click away. The computer has become a tool for learning and enhancing one’s abilities. Through the Internet, you can learn how to whip up an enticing dish of fish curry or even learn hundreds of techniques to tie your shoelace! There is now no need to spend back-breaking hours at the library just to research for information.

The computer has also become a new entertainment hub. One can play games, listen to the latest Rihanna song or to just surf the Web. The word ‘boredom’ has evaporated from the current generation’s mind with the advent of the computer. It has changed how people spend their leisure time. One negative aspect of this however is that people are more reluctant to get out into the sun and exercise.

Other than that, the computer has changed the way people communicate. “I’ll give you a call later” has now been replaced by, “I’ll e-mail you later”. One does not need to burn a hole in his or her pocket to call their loved ones who are overseas. In this era of computer technology, one can send e-mails or even have a face-to-face conversation with someone using the computer. The practice of writing letters to penpals has become extinct as online chatrooms and forums have become the modern way to meeting ‘cyber-friends’ from all over the world.

In conclusion of the above statements, I strongly agree that the computer has changed society today. In fact, the computer has revitalized, reenergized and revamped the way we live our daily lives.

Truly, the computer is mankind’s best friend.