Computer assisted technologies enable more people to access education through online learning programs in schools, universities and colleges. Course material is also available on the Internet, both for on-campus students and distance learners. An example of such resources is the MIT University. Computer assisted technology also enables teachers to teach students more clearly due to the availability of research material and illustrations on the Internet. The use of webcams enables teachers to interact with their students taking distance learning classes. Children with handicaps are also able to access better education through more specialized and specific communication technologies.
Computer assisted technologies have revolutionized business processes and reduced ordering periods by cutting down communication time. Email and instant messaging services enable individuals to send messages across continents in a matter of seconds. This has led to the trend of outsourcing various business departments to other continents while still maintaining efficiency.
Computer assisted communication reduces long-term communication costs. Imagine if people still relied on letters to pass messages. Every enterprise would have to constantly factor in the cost of tons of paper for this specific purpose. It only requires an initial cost to set up the infrastructure necessary to facilitate electronic communication. The setup costs are continuously falling as better technologies emerge in the market.
Computer assisted technologies enable people to communicate and network with other individuals in other time zones. This increases globalization of the world and raises awareness, helping solve many world conflicts. Social sites like Facebook and Twitter help positively empower mankind. An example of this is the use of Twitter in Egypt to unite and encourage people during the protests against dictatorship early in 2011.
The increase of hackers compromises communications via computer-based technologies. This leads to leaks of compromising and highly classified information, such as company data, government or personal information.
The invention of computer based technologies leads to exposure of underage children to harmful site content. This may include vices like pornography and drug-related adverts. As a mode of communication, the Internet does not effectively offer stringent age restrictions due to its anonymity policies. This has led to young children accessing adult sites, putting them at risk of interaction with sex offenders, pedophiles and kidnappers.