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How have computers changed our lives?
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How have computers changed our lives?
Last modified: Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 3:52 PM
How have computers changed our lives?
What is a computer?
Computers are all around us. They're a big part of many people's day-to-day lives.
A computer is an electronic device which processes, stores and displays information.
Most electronic devices used today contain some sort of computer.
- Desktop computers are thought to be more traditional computers.
- Laptops, tablets and smartphones are portable computers.
- Smartwatches are wearable computers.
- Computers control many household appliances, like washing machines.
How are computers used in our day-to-day lives?
Computers can be found all around our homes, schools and even in the places where you shop.
Smartphones
Smartphones allow us to send and receive messages and calls. Smartphones have an operating system to make it easy to use and allow us to download and install various applications. Applications might include: games, music, email, social media and calendars.
Fitness trackers
Electronic fitness trackers help count steps, monitor our heart rate and keep track of our daily activity and exercise. Fitness trackers can help motivate people to exercise more effectively
Self checkouts
Self-checkout machines scan barcodes and make it quicker and easier to pay for shopping. Self-checkout machines are very common in supermarkets.
Electronic locks
Many schools and workplaces use a system of electronic locks which need either a pin code or swipe card to unlock. Digital locks can be easier to use than key locks, as users don't need to carry keys
Cars
Most modern cars have at least one computer inside which monitors emissions and checks that the car is working as it should. Electric cars are like ‘computers on wheels’. Most of their systems are controlled by onboard computers.
How have computers helped to connect us?
Technology helps us stay connected with people more easily than ever before.
We can talk to our family and friends, even if they live on the other side of the world.
Technology can also help people do important jobs. For example, doctors can use video calls to help other doctors perform life-saving operations.
Using a computer, you can connect with children in other countries to learn about their lives, culture, and community.
You can even work on projects together without being in the same room.
Technology also helps us stay in touch with our friends if we move to a new place.
How have computers saved lives?
Computers have helped to change the way we understand the human body.
- They have allowed us to analyse and record how our bodies work in more detail than ever before.
- Robotic surgeons can complete surgeries that are too complex, or too small for a human to perform.
- Some people have a pacemaker fitted, which helps to make sure their heart beats regularly.
- Diabetes patients can now wear an insulin monitor on their arm which tells them if their blood sugar is too low or too high. Before these monitors were invented, diabetics used to have to prick their finger to test their blood regularly. The monitors connect to a smartphone to make it easy to get readings.
- Many tests for illnesses are completed using computers too.
Most careers have some element of digital technology and computers can be found in most workplaces.
It's important that you understand how computers work, as it is likely that you will need to use a computer when you're grown up.
Computers have changed the way the world works. Many jobs that used to be done only by a person have been made much more efficient through the use of technology.
New tools to improve how we work are being developed all the time and technology is constantly changing. Sometimes it can be hard to keep up!
Many highly paid jobs that people do today with computers, didn't exist 20 years ago!
How have computers saved lives?
Computers have helped to change the way we understand the human body.
- They have allowed us to analyse and record how our bodies work in more detail than ever before.
- Robotic surgeons can complete surgeries that are too complex, or too small for a human to perform.
- Some people have a pacemaker fitted, which helps to make sure their heart beats regularly.
- Diabetes patients can now wear an insulin monitor on their arm which tells them if their blood sugar is too low or too high. Before these monitors were invented, diabetics used to have to prick their finger to test their blood regularly. The monitors connect to a smartphone to make it easy to get readings.
- Many tests for illnesses are completed using computers too.