How Do We Handle Computer-Based Technology? What Is the Cost/Benefit Ratio of Technology for Workers?

This chapter focuses on the question of how to deal with technology. Technology has changed our life, it has changed how we communicate with each other, and how we work, and also when and where we work. It is important to understand how and why it has changed our life, and what kind of consequences this has. Technology may affect our (mental) health and well-being. In this chapter we present an overview of factors that need to be taken into account when designing technology. First, a historic perspective is presented in order to understand the development of technology in the work context. It is generally believed that technology at work can help us, but this is not always the case. Technology can also make work more complex; it can also lead to health problems, in particular when wrong decisions are made while designing technology. A core issue is to what extent people are still in control of technology. This is the leading question to understand how individuals are affected by technology at work, and to know how technology should be handled.