Information technology is a term that broadly explains any technology that helps produce, store, manipulate, disseminate and communicate information. Technology can either be computer or communication technology.

This technology has its advantages and disadvantages too. Technology has improved the communication sector, the economic sector and social sector. This has led growth of the economy and better management of time. Although it has these advantages, it has also brought along some serious problems. These challenges are mainly health and environmental issues.

First we have a manufacturing and disposal of the by-products as a challenge. This is where the manufacturers collect the used and broken computers. Since they rarely recycle these by products, they end dumping them to the environment. These by products contain large amounts of lead and other toxins that can easily leach into the underground water or produce dioxides. Knowingly the manufacturers continue to expose their workers and the entire community to these hazardous toxins. These toxins cause cancer, some birth defects and to some extent they are said to cause miscarriages. Therefore, manufacturers and the community at large should recycle the computers, and most of all the employers should make a point of protecting their workers for a better future. The other environmental risk is nanotechnology which is a potential risk. Nanotechnology refers to manipulation of materials such as zinc, carbon and gold at a molecular level. This manipulation could lead to the creation of contaminants whose tiny size makes them hazardous. If they get leached into the underground water, they could become harmful to both human beings and to the environment.

In health issues, technology brings job satisfaction and helps in learning activities. It leads to success and impressive achievements. Even so it brings about stress where we find ourselves angry at the computer at one time. Some others even think that computer reduces jobs and that it deprives them of their jobs. Other even go to the extent of smashing monitors, kicking system units and portraying abusive behavior due to the computers. This in itself shows a stressful situation by the person using the computer. Other problems include eyesight problem where with continuous use of the computer, one’s eyes become weak because of the bright light and it is harmful. Also because of the positions in which one sits when using the computer may lead to fatigue and finally to back problems although this is a long term issue, it comes with continuous use of the computer. One may also become a computer addict. Since they rarely do physical exercises, they become obese. Others totally disconnect with the real world and lack morals as well as a social life which is a critical function in human growth. Also through the use of the internet one con access pornographic material which brings decay in the society and lack of morals.

In conclusion, technology is not a terrible thing but we should be careful when using it. We should make the right decisions for both the health and the environment.