THE TECHNOLOGY: A BLESSING OR CURSE?

T

he technology of computer science is having a dramatic effect on our lives, and the most immediate consequence of this technology is its impact on employment. Robots and computer – have taken over routine jobs on the car assembly line where three robots can replace ten men working on a two-shift system. One giant American company has shown that it is now possible to replace all its assembly workers with machines. Robots carry out tedious tasks with a high degree of reliability for an hourly “wage” of about 5 dollars. The average human worker on a car assembly line, in contrast, earns about 20 dollars an hour.

There is obviously a lot of to be said in favour of releasing people from work that is often noisy, dirty and even dangerous, and many workers can be retained for more pleasant and interesting work. Nevertheless, competition is forcing employers to cut back the labour force. As one managing director put it, “are you going to reduce your work force by 25% by putting in robots, or by 100% by going out of business? “As a result of automation, workers are being sacked and many would be permanently unemployed. 

While workers directly employed in manufacturing will certainly suffer, it is likely that the impact of automation on the information industry will be even greater. In Britain, about 40% of the working population is engaged in dealing with information: making telephone calls, writing reports, filing invoice orders, for example. Employees in this sector, including secretaries, typists, clerks, managers and accountants, can be replaced by microelectronic information processor. It may not be long before white – collar desk – workers join factory – workers in the increasing numbers of the unemployed.

So what does the future hold if the computer is taking jobs away from humans? A radical social change is necessary if we are to survive the automation revolution. If large groups in society are dissatisfied and restless, increase in rioting and violent crime is inevitable. It is up to the politicians to come to terms with the problem. An obvious solution is a shorter working week. Less time at work would mean more time available to take up new leisure activities, and more opportunities for further education. An increased demand for leisure facilities would lead to an expansion of the service industries and more job vacancies. In theory, even the unemployed should have reasonable income. After all, thanks to the new technology, it will be economic today people not to work.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:

FIND IN THE TEXT WORDS OR EXPRESSIONS MEANING THE SAME AS:

1.      Tiresome:                   ………………….………………….          

2.      Dismissed:                 ……………….……….…….………     

3.      Put an end:                ………………………….…………..

ARE THESE SENTENCES TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY:

1.      Robotisation has not been introduced in developed countries yet.

2.      Government force employers to reduce the labour force.

3.      Information industry absorbs over the third of the working population.

4.      The victims of automation will certainly resort to violence.

ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TEXT:

1.      What is alarming about the giant American firm?

2.      How could automation eventually be beneficial for workers?

3.      Why will white-collars soon suffer from unemployment?

4.      What do these words refer?

4.      This technology: ………………………                   This sector: ……………………………….