We Are Becoming Increasingly Dependent on Computers | IELTS Essay Sample

They are used in businesses, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

• You should write at least 250 words.
• You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Band 9 essay sample

Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine a life without computers. We now depend on them for almost anything and everything. Consequently, when a computer breaks down, people go crazy. When software fails to work properly, airlines are forced to cancel flights and hospitals have to postpone surgeries. In future, computers will have greater applications. They are likely to replace humans in many sectors. In my opinion, while computers are useful, overdependence on them is not beneficial for humanity.

Recently, a glitch in a Microsoft software programme wreaked havoc all over the world. Hundreds of flights had to be cancelled because airports could not access passenger data. Similarly, stock markets in many countries had to stop trading. Hospitals also faced lots of problem. This was the worst incident of its kind in a long time. Yet, it has made businesses and governments all over the world aware of the consequences of being overly dependent on computers.

Nowadays, another innovation in the field of computers is threatening to increase the rate of unemployment. Artificial Intelligence as it is called has already proven that it is capable of doing a lot of jobs that earlier only humans could perform. It can draw pictures, write codes or even poems. You only have to give it the correct prompt. If computer technology develops at the current pace, we may soon have to contend with massive layoffs. There is also the fear of computers being misused by miscreants. Artificial Intelligence, for instance, can be used against humans unless there are strict laws to control it. Without strong political will this is not possible.

In short, in the coming years, we are likely to become even more dependent on computers. They brought so much convenience to our lives and now it is not possible for us to live a life without computers. Unfortunately, this overdependence has its consequences. Computers have already proven that they are quite capable of disrupting our lives and businesses. If we become more and more dependent on them, we will face even more problems.

Need help with IELTS writing? Get your writing samples corrected by me.

Useful vocabulary

Glitch – a glitch is a temporary malfunction of equipment

Break down – when a machine breaks down, it stops working.

Wreak havoc – to wreak havoc is to cause massive destruction

Contend – to contend with something is to struggle with a difficulty

layoffs – A layoff is an occasion when a company stops employing someone because they do not have enough work or money.