Vol. 5, No.

5, May 2014 ISSN 2079-8407

Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences
©2009-2014 CIS Journal. All rights reserved.

http://www.cisjournal.org

Survey of Possible Negative Consequences of Use of

Computer to Humanity
1
Ahmed Aliyu, 2 Abubakar Ado, 3 Abdulaziz Bello, 4 Sani Danjuma,
5
Abdulra’uf Garba, 6Abubakar Sadiq Gezawa
1
Mathematical Science Department, Bauchi State University Gadau, Itas/Gadau, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
2
Computer Science Department, Liaoning University of Technology, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, P. R China.
3
Electrical Electronic Engineering Department, Liaoning University of Technology, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, P. R China.
4,5,6
Computer Science Department, Liaoning University of Technology, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, P. R China.

ABSTRACT
Computer has become one of the most important tools in human life, in-fact it has become an integral part of human life,
because of its relevance in learning, communication and information, multimedia, business and entertainments. Despite all
its advantages it has posed some negative effects on humanity. This paper shows the survey conducted to actually unveil
some possible effects that users of computer encountered, and the result analysis has shown a great significance in
educational research and the study.

Keywords: computer, humanity, effect, survey, questionnaire, Society.

1. INTRODUCTION access to a home computer in emerging Eastern European

The use of computer gadgets has emphatically
becomes an important part of human life ranging from the
use of computers for Business, communication and
information, education and entertainment, in-fact
computers has become an integral part of humanity, But
despite all it importance it has posed some several
negative effect to humans, this has call for several
attention of researchers to research into the possible
effects of computer to the society whether positive or
negative. The prolonged use of computers, use of
sophisticated computer games, too much illicit
information ranging from crime, sexual abuse/sexual
material (Rape), massacre and weapon handling on the
internet, has actually create several negative effect of
computer to humanity.
The use of computer in human life cannot be
overlooked the development of the personal computer in
the late 1970s enabled households to purchase a computer
for the home, and children to gain access to an important
new technology. At present, over three-quarters of all
American children aged 3 to 17 years live in a household
with a computer. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2005) However,
large disparities in computer ownership by race and
family income remain. Data from the 2003 Current
Population Survey (CPS) indicate that less than half of
children with family incomes under $25,000 lived in a
household with a computer, compared to 92 percent of
those with family incomes over $100,000. Furthermore,
access to computer technology is far less common among
children in developing countries, and the disparities
between the rich and poor are often much greater.
Estimate from the OECDís 2003 Programme for
International Student Assessment (PISA) show that most
15 year old students in developed countries have access to
a computer at home (91 percent in the United States). In
contrast, only about half of 15 year old students have
countries such as Poland, Latvia and Serbia. Among 15
year olds in the bottom SES quartile within these
countries, fewer than a quarter have access to a home
computer. (OECD, 2005)
2. RELATED WORK
2.1 Displacement of Other Activities
When children use home computers instead of
watching television, it is generally viewed as positive; but
when children use computers instead of participating in
sports and social activities, it raises concerns about the
possible effect on their physical and psychological well-
being. Results from a national survey suggest that in
1999, children between ages 2 to 17 were spending
approximately 1 hour 37 minutes per day using the
computer and/or playing video games [1], about 24
minutes more than in 1998 [2]. Yet little research exist on
how children’s growing use of computers may be
displacing activities other than television viewing, and the
few findings that exist are ambiguous. Some evidence
indicates that children who use home computers may
watch less television than nonusers, but other evidence
suggests that television viewing remains the same or
might even increase with the use of home computers.
2.2 Links to Violent Behavior Raise Concerns
Although educational software for home
computer use includes many games that encourage
positive, pro-social behaviors by rewarding players who
cooperate or share, the most popular entertainment
software often involves games with competition and
aggression, [3] and the amount of aggression and violence
has increased with each new generation of games [4]. A
content analysis of recent popular Nintendo and Sega
Genesis computer games found that nearly 80% of the
games had aggression or violence as an objective [5]. One
survey of seventh- and eighth-grade students found that

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Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences
©2009-2014 CIS Journal. All rights reserved.

http://www.cisjournal.org
half of their favorite games had violent themes [6]. Yet (containing animated blood, gore, and violence and strong
parents often are unaware of even the most popular sexual content), but fewer than 5% of parents had heard of
violent titles, despite the rating system from the it [7].
Entertainment Software Ratings Board in place since
September 1994 (see Box 3). In a 1998 survey, 80% of
junior high school students said they were familiar with
Duke Nukem—a violent computer game rated “mature”

Fig 1

2.3 Effects on Physical Well-Being

Systematic research on the physical effects of
children’s computer use is lacking thus far, but insights
can be gained from several sources. Results from the
numerous studies on the physical effects of watching
television are informative, given the similarities between
these media. In addition, research focusing on the physical
risks of playing computer games is important, given that
games remain the most frequent home computer activity
for children across most age groups, despite the
proliferation of other software and applications. These
studies suggest that children’s extended computer use
may be linked to an increased risk of obesity, seizures,
and hand injuries [3]. Figure 2.0 [8].

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Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences
©2009-2014 CIS Journal. All rights reserved.
http://www.cisjournal.org
Fig 2: Children’s daily screen time
2.4 Other Physical Effects
Since the early years of computer game
technology—beginning with video games in the 1970s,
followed by the growing popularity of stand-alone game
systems like Nintendo in the 1980s [9] and the rise of the
personal computer in the 1990s—playing games has been
the predominant computer activity for children overall.
Studies indicate, however, that playing computer games
exposes children to a number of physical risks, including
seizures, hand injuries, and changes in heart rate [10]. For
example, some research suggests that playing computer
games may trigger epileptic seizures in certain users [11].
One research team reviewed 35 reported cases of video
game–related seizures and found that abstinence from
video games was the preferred treatment, compared to
anticonvulsant medication [12]. It appears that the “flicker
frequencies” or quickly flashing images, in some video
games can trigger seizures in patients with photosensitive
epilepsy. After studying 115 French subjects ages 7 to 30,
another research team recommended using a 100Hz
television screen (with twice the resolution as a standard
television screen) and sitting at least one meter away from
the screen to reduce the likelihood of video game–induced
seizures [13]. Excessive computer game playing also has
been associated with a form of tendinitis, called
Nintendinitis, which is a sports injury characterized by
severe pain in the extensor tendon of the right thumb as a
result of the repeated pressing of buttons during game
play [14]. Currently there is no systematic research on this
type of injury or on the impact of computer use in general
ISSN 2079-8407
on children’s eyes, backs, and wrists; however, given
children’s increasing use of computers, sometimes for
prolonged periods, it is likely that children will begin to
experience the same kinds of injuries frequently reported
by adult computer users [15]. To reduce the possibilities of
such injuries, children should be given similar instructions
as adults regarding safe computer use, including such
precautions as taking frequent breaks and positioning
equipment properly. In addition, game manufacturers
should avoid producing games with flicker frequencies
known from clinical experience to induce seizures in
epilepsy-prone patients.
2.5 Effects of Greater Access to Information
As the Internet puts an increasing amount of
information at children’s fingertips, adults have begun to
question whether such information encourages violent and
sexually promiscuous behavior. For instance, information
about building bombs is freely available on the Internet,
and one of the Columbine students responsible for the
massacre in April 1999 had detailed bomb making
instructions on his Web site. In a poll immediately
following the incident, 76% of adults said they wanted
Internet service providers to do more to monitor Web sites
to identify potentially dangerous individuals, and 68%
said they thought the federal government should do more
[16]
. Yet the extent to which increased availability of
information over the Internet contributes to violent
behavior has not been systematically studied. Similarly,
the prevalence of sexually explicit material available on
the Internet, including sexually explicit dialogue and the
use of imagery to simulate sexual activity (or “cybersex”)
by children and teens, is also a major concern that has
attracted little study. Some online communications about
sex are educational and informative, such as public
listservs, message boards, and Web sites that offer teens
the opportunity to share questions, concerns, and
experiences regarding sex [17] at the same time, some
adults are concerned that these discussions, along with the
preponderance of online flirting and cybersex among
young people, will induce premature sexual activity. It is
difficult to assess the extent or impact of these
interactions because they often occur, not in the public
space of MUDs, but in private conversations either in
instant messages or private or restricted chat rooms.
Interviews with girls who participate in such online
activity, however, indicate that the information about sex
gleaned from the Internet, including online sexual
experiences, may actually encourage greater caution and
patience when making sexual choices in real life [17].
Thus, it is important to examine both the informative and
social role of online interaction.
3. SURVEY DESIGN AND
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Methodology
Survey instruments have been identified as being
the most popular data collection tools in outcomes
measurement and evaluation [18] [19]. For this study, we
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Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences
©2009-2014 CIS Journal. All rights reserved.

http://www.cisjournal.org
carried-out data collection with a focused/target group
using questionnaire. This section starts first with
methodology of the research design; Data collection
method, survey target group and sampling. The survey
was carried-out in five universities/colleges of different
countries across the world, namely; (1) United Kingdom
(2) Nigeria (3) Turkey (4) China and (5) Jordan. This is
because, to get the present real situation of effect of use of
computer from different part of the world. After which,
the survey graph of the result of the survey are designed
and with possible tables and diagrams, which depict the
current trends of effect of computer to humanity.
3.2 Data Questionnaire Design
The questionnaire was designed with three scale
option for respondent to choose the scale suited by him,
the questionnaire consist of 12 questions and three scale
of option for respondent to select, this is to make the
questionnaire easier for response from respondent and for
data analysis. Questionnaire has three scales of options as
follows; strongly agree, fairly agree or do not agree.
3.3 Target Groups and Sampling
We designed a questionnaire to source for data
(information) so as to ascertain the possible effect of use
of computers, sourcing of the data (survey) was carried
out in five (5) different universities/colleges of five
different countries namely are; University of Southwales,
Cardiff Pontypridd City, United Kingdom, Liaoning
University Of Technology Jinzhou Liaoning Province
China, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education Kano Nigeria,
Yaser University of Izmir, Turkey, and Jordan University
of Science and Technology Irbid, Jordan, all the five
higher institutions and locations (countries) were choosing
because of their peculiarity in the region/continent, and
the questionnaire gathering of information (data) was
target at youths ranging from the age of 16-45 years of
age. Special preference was not given in-terms of gender.
Universities/Colleges were choosing because of their high
numbers of computer users. Table 3.1 shows the
instruments used, the response scale, and the areas of
focus included for each instrument.
Instruments Used in the Study

Table 3.1: Instrument Used in the Study (Questionnaire)

S/N Questions Asked Choose Answer Percentage%

1 The prolong use of computer causes the eye to soar, itching or Strongly Agree 88
reddish?
Fairly Agree 27
Do Not Agree 17
2 The use of sophisticated computer games affects our physical, Strongly Agree 78
psychological, human posture or mental being? Fairly Agree 42
Do Not Agree 12
3 Use of computer affects backbone, and the neck, thereby causing Strongly Agree 56
back and neck pain? Fairly Agree 60
Do Not Agree 16
4 The exposure of teenagers to the use of computer, can make them Strongly Agree 94
to have access to explicit dangerous materials, such as death
massacre, pornography, display of violence and weapons on the
internet?
Fairly Agree 36
Do not Agree 2
5 The use of computer by student has also brings about laziness in Strongly Agree 58
student process of learning. Fairly Agree 46
Do Not Agree 28
6 The use of computer affects the way we use time, for example if Strongly Agree 62
we have no computer system we tend to sleep earlier in the night Fairly Agree 58
and do our house chores properly, but with the possession of Do Not Agree 12
computer we tend to sleep late and affects our daily life
schedules.
7 Through use of computer we can make or associate our self with Strongly Agree 90
bad friends (that is through social network) Fairly Agree 32
Do Not Agree 10
8 The use of computers in classroom often leads to students Strongly Agree 48
becoming distracted.
Fairly Agree 58
Do Not Agree 26
9 By the use of computer people can ask medical questions to Strongly Agree 74
individuals who have no clue about medicine instead of going to Fairly Agree 40
the doctor for a proper diagnosis. “That self diagnosis” which can Do Not Agree 18

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Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences
©2009-2014 CIS Journal. All rights reserved.

http://www.cisjournal.org
lead to a serious problem concerning our health.
10 Through the use of computer we put our self out for the world to Strongly Agree 80
see on sites like e.g. facebook and which is easier for some bad Fairly Agree 46
people to fine out our information. Do Not Agree 6
11 Kids who spend a very high amount of time on computers are less Strongly Agree 64
likely to exercise. Fairly Agree 46
Do Not Agree 22
12 The use of computer can make children engage In browsing social Strongly Agree 88
media websites and chat rooms which exposes them to the risk of Fairly Agree 32
potentially dangerous child predators who seek to deceive them. Do Not Agree 12

The above Table 3.1: represents the complete institutions of 5 different countries during the survey.
questions asked, choice of answers and total percentage of Total of 671 students were questioned and total of 660
answers given by the respondent from 5 different higher students responded by filling and returned back their filled
questionnaire form.

Table 3.2: Aggregate of Respondents on a scale of (Strongly, fairly and Do not agree) with respect to Various
University/Colleges.

Aggregate of Aggregate of Aggregate of

S/N Countries
SA FA DA
1 Liaoning University of Technology Jinzhou, China. (LUTJ 66.7 35.8 17.5
China)
2 Jordan University of Science and Technology Irbid, Jordan. 65.0 49.2 15.8
(JUSTI Jordan)
3 Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education Kano, Nigeria. (SRCOEK 60.8 51.3 17.9
Nigeria)
4 University of Southwales, Cardiff Pontypridd City, United 63.3 41.7 15.0
Kingdom. (USCP United Kingdom)
5 Yaser University Izmir, Turkey. (YUI Turkey) 110.8 40.0 9.2

From the above table 3.2 shows the aggregate of
respondents with respect to scale of (strongly, fairly and
Do not agree). That is, it shows the total number of
respondent who select base on the three scales of the
entire questions for each university/colleges.
responded by filling and returned back their filled
questionnaire form. Total of 120 questionnaires from
LUTJ China, 130 from SRCOEK Nigeria, 160 from YUI
Turkey, 130 from JUSTI Jordan and 120 questionnaires
from USCP United Kingdom.

3.4 Data Collection Strategies 3.6 Major Findings of the Study

The survey instruments were first piloted on a The major findings of the study are reported
sample of participants (19 students) from Liaoning below, based on feedback from survey using
Province Jinzhou where the university students were questionnaire
given questionnaire to fill and return, this is done in
order to enable quicker responses. The pilot process
enabled us to improve some questions, which appeared
to be ambiguous, before the final design of the
questionnaire which was later sent to different
universities/colleges in different countries for data
collection, with purpose of the study explained and
requested voluntary participation of the targeted
groups.

3.5 Data and Result Analysis

The following figures below shows the pictorial
representation of the result obtained. The above table 3.1
represents the complete questions asked, choice of
answers and total percentage of answers given by the
respondent from 5 different higher institutions of 5
different countries during the survey. Total of 671
students were questioned and total of 660 students

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Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences
©2009-2014 CIS Journal. All rights reserved.

http://www.cisjournal.org

100

90

80

70

60

SA
50
FA
40 DA

30

20

10
Fig 3: Pie Chat Representation of Data Collected.
0
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q5
Q6
Q7
Q8
Q9
Q10
Q11
Q12
120

100
Fig 3.2: Respondent on a scale of (Strongly agree (SA),
80 fairly agree (FA) and Do not agree (DA)) with respect to
various Questions
60
SA The graph in figure 3.2 represents the total
number of respondents with respect to total aggregate of
40 FA 
questions answered in the five different
DA universities/college of five different countries; This shows
20 that out of the twelve questions in the instrument
(questionnaire) ten questions have greater percentage of
0 50% and above of strongly agree, while only two
questions has fairly agree, this show that most of the
computer users have the believe or understanding that
almost all the questions asked have negative effects on
humanity and the society at large.

3.7 Limitation of the Study

Fig 3.1: Respondent on a scale of (Strongly agree (SA),
fairly agree (FA) and Do not agree (DA)) with respect to
Various University/Colleges
This research study focuses on only student of
university/colleges computer users to have a well
comprehensive and well ascertained negative impact of
computer to humanity, it is recommended that further
research can also focus on collecting data from medical
practitioners and expert in psychology, since these are
expert who must have handle so many issues regarding
health, psychological and mental effect with respect to
use of computer.

4. CONCLUSION
Findings from this study strongly suggest and
show that despite the widely use and importance of
computer to the society it also pose some negative effect

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Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences
©2009-2014 CIS Journal. All rights reserved.
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to humanity which cannot be overlooked or ignored. This
study has demonstrated that use of computer and
technological equipment has posed many threats to human
health, life and security. Also based on these findings, one
could posit that most of the brutal, criminal, sexual and
deadly behaviors demonstrated by both Adult and
Children could be from free access to information which
is dangerous from computer, computer games and the
internet. Finally, we conclude that the use of computer
could either impact negatively or positively to humanity
except we try to regulate the way we use this technology.
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