Douglas Engelbart reveals a prototype of the modern computer at the Fall Joint Computer Conference, San Francisco. His presentation, called "A Research Center for Augmenting Human Intellect" includes a live demonstration of his computer, including a mouse and a graphical user interface (GUI). This marks the development of the computer from a specialized machine for academics to a technology that is more accessible to the general public. These technological devices include cell phones, iPads, laptops, pc’s, and many others.

Laptop computers were designed to be used for short periods of time when a person couldn’t access a desktop computer. But these days many people use a laptop all the time.

The problem is that the monitor and keyboard of a laptop are very close together. To position the monitor at the right height for your back and neck causes you to lift your arms and shoulders too high. But to position the keyboard at the best height for your arms and shoulders, you must hunch your shoulders and neck to see the monitor.

The production of computers creates pollution. The manufacturing of computers requires a large amount of fossil fuels and chemicals. Despite the fact that computers continue to decrease in size, computers still require 10 times their weight in chemicals and pollutants during manufacturing. The pollution created by computer production is harmful to the health of those living in close proximity to manufacturing facilities which expel harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air.

Changing technology and computer breakdowns lead to millions of tons of waste in discarded computers each year. An estimated 50 million tons of electronic waste are discarded each year. Most of these discarded computers are sent to landfills overseas in Africa, China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. There are entire regions in these countries that are polluted due to computer waste. Computers contain heavy metals like lead and toxic chemicals that pollute the soil and contaminate groundwater when they are dumped into landfills. Runoffs from these landfills can contaminate water used for drinking and bathing, exposing people to dangerous chemicals.

Computers also contribute to energy waste. Waste creates needless pollution that could be saved each year if businesses and households would shut down their computers and power off their monitors when they are not using them. U.S. businesses waste approximately 1 billion dollars each year in electricity used to power computers and monitors left on after hours. Putting your computer on standby or letting your monitor go into sleep mode also creates energy waste, as these modes still require power. Even leaving your computer plugged in while it is shut down will draw a small amount of power from your electrical outlet. This energy waste translates into greenhouse excess gases that contribute to pollution and global climate change.

Political issues

Tech plays a huge role in politics. From online campaigning, debates, social media, and email, to fundraising, it has been an important driver to many people’s rise to the presidency. Using such functions, like Youtube candidates can campaign for free and without any interference from mainstream media. There’s a large spread of campaigns because of the internet's easy access from anywhere at any time. Social media can be used to heavily influence voters' choices and split people apart. Misinformation is easily spread since anyone can post almost anything. Other countries can also play a part in the political ordeals of other countries and turn the tide one way to their advantage.