What are the disadvantages of computers in the environment?

Answer 1

Some may see this as negative, others may think of it as the next stage of our evolution. We are just beginning to experience life in the 'simulated' world that complex computing and information technologies allow us to create. While we spend more and more time in this 'world', we have less and less need, and less time to spend interacting with people and with the natural world. We will find more and more of our human stimulations and their fulfillments coming from these technologies. In short, this world that we are creating at breakneck speed is then turning around and helping to create or shape us. We are changing, in direct response to the world that we are creating.

Answer 2

One of the bad effects of computer use to the environment is that poisonous materials such as lead and Mercury found in computer gadgets like CRTs and circuit boards pollute the environment. Also, printing causes deforestation.

Answer 3

Although computers can be used as a tool to spread awareness about problems in the environment, they cause a lot of environmental problems themselves. Pollution caused by the production of computer hardware, as well as from the cleaning agents used to clean computers, is a great hazard to the

environment and the people that live in it. People leave their computers on non stop resulting in a lot of energy consumption and enormous amounts of paper are being used daily to print out electronically stored data. It causes health problems as well as economic problems and is in urgent need of treatment.Use computer only when needed.

If we all shut down our computers at night the energy savings could light the Eiffel Tower 24 hours a day for 720 years.

Answer 4

e-waste is the only disadvantage I can think of: this is old and/or broken computers, cellphones and other electronic appliances and components. New technology is being developed every day that replaces old technology...old technology and the hardware that came with it ends up as e-waste which contains lots of elements that are toxic to the environment. BUT, the computer has done much more to benefit the environment than harm it: information is sent across the world as electrical signals in stead of using paper as a medium and fossilfuel to carry it across long distances. A faster way of communication and calculation also makes it easier to work on finding environmentally friendly renewable power sources to help fight global warming which is probably the biggest environmental issue right now
Higher level EMF exposure can cause many types of cancer such as, leukemia, breast cancer and brain cancer. There is even some evidence that it may cause miscarriages and even suicides. One mechanism that electromagnetic fields could damage our health is by generating excess amount of ozone in the air we breath. Ozone generates free-radicals and is very caustic. It is good at keeping radiation out of our atmosphere, but it is very toxic when we breathe it into our bodies.

Answer 5

Computers, like other electronic devices, obviously require power. Current environmentally-friendly methods of generating power are still not enough to satisfy demand, so traditional coal power plants are still the norm.

Computer components often contain large amounts of lead and mercury. When improperly disposed of, these toxic materials can leech into soil and water supplies. Newer components are usually manufactured to meet RoHs standards, meaning they will contain far less lead and mercury, and less toxic materials will be used to etch the electronic traces in the boards.

Answer 6

Some may be expensive

Generates lots of heat

May not have operating systems of one's choice

etc

Answer 7

In some cases you can gain weight,have sleep deprobition

Answer 8

computers