Computers -> Source of all Evil?

So I have a friend who says computers are the source of all evil and she "Tries not to use them and stay away from them" because someday they will "take over and kill us all."

Once you get past the overall paranoia, she makes a couple good points. Fewer and fewer people know how to do Math. Fewer and fewer people can think on their own. Fewer and fewer people actually have Cash in their wallet. What happens in 2036 when all the ATM's crash because they don't have enough date spaces (like was supposed to happen in 2000)?

Most wouldn't think this, but in many ways I agree with her general idea of computers=bad. I think that they are contributing to a degradation in society. That may seem a little strange coming from someone who's built derWeb from the ground up (and countless other geek projects) but I have my reasons. While I do use computers In just about everything I do I really don't rely on them like many users these days do- the computer is an outlet for my brain, something for my brain to learn and play with, not a substitute for my brain.

But I am a little ahead of myself here. Before one can really say computers as a whole are bad, one must define the word computer which is becoming much more difficult. Traditionally, the word has been defined as some kind of machine that takes more than one input and provides more than one output. Using that definition, the mechanical computers and adding machines of days gone by can be easily included in the term. Unfortunatly so can many other items. A hammer produces two different outputs from two different inputs. Most people would argue that a hammer doesn't qualify though- but an electronic relay, which is little more than an overgrown light switch, would generally qualify.

I'm sorry, I don't see my car's turn signal taking over the world and killing us all (perhaps the Lack of a turn signal would cause some death). I don't think relays, electronics or even mechanical bits in cars and appliances are what my friend is worried about. She's meaning something else.

So the modern definition of computer is different from what we used to have. But honestly I don't know what it is now. Where is the dividing line between 'Tool' and computer? or are they one and the same?

I think what my friend is worried about is an invisible dependence on unknown tools. It's in human nature to become dependent, complacent, or take for granted a service or tool that is in place and works. In all cases, this human behavior causes risk. Complacent pilots crash, complacent construction workers cut their own fingers off, and people dependent on drugs (legal or otherwise) go into withdraw. I think it's a bit unfair to blame the tools.

My friend's got worries. And ok, I see those worries, there are many threats to society out there, and she's found one that has some real potential. But she's taking to fighting the technology invasion by hiding from it. That works pretty well to protect her, and her money-
but I often attack threats in a different way. I learn everything I can about the situation. If I was as worried as her, I think I'd learn everything I could about current technology, and where it's going- with a focus on finance. Knowledge is power- and when you know enough to take command of the threat, it just becomes another hammer on your shelf. A powerful tool that can be used however you see fit.