Topic 10
As the world becomes technologically advanced, computers are replacing more and more jobs.
Describe some job positions that may be lost because of computers, and discuss at least one
problem that may result.
When computers first made their way into the business sector, everyone believed that they would
make people's jobs easier. What was not expected was that computers would eliminate jobs. Besides
contributing to unemployment, these automated workers often exhibit inadequate job performance. A
number of jobs have been lost as a direct result of new computer technology. Ticket agents in various
transportation facilities, from subway/underground stations to airports are virtually nonexistent these
days. Bank tellers have been greatly reduced due to automated bank machines. In addition, many call
centers/centres that have help lines are almost entirely computerized/computerised. A few years ago I
worked as a helper in our local library. Today this position does not exist, because six new computers
have been installed. The number of positions lost to computers grows exponentially, and
unemployment continues to get worse. While a computer may easily achieve the main tasks of these
jobs, most computers fall short when customers have a unique request or problem. A pre-paid ticket
booth does not have insight about the entertainment district and cannot offer friendly directions to a
tourist. Similarly, an automated bank machine cannot provide assistance and reassurance to a
customer who has just had his credit card stolen. And, more often than not, automated telephone
operators cannot answer the one question that we have, and we end up waiting on the line to speak
with someone anyway. Every time I go into the library where I worked I notice elderly people who
don't know how to use the computers and can't find anyone to help. In the future, I believe a new
business trend will evolve. As computers eliminate jobs, new positions will have to be invented. More
and more people will go into business for themselves, and hopefully put the personal touch back into
bus iness. I believe that the
human workforce will demonstrate that it is more valuable than computers.