W. H. Auden (1908 – 1973) is considered one of the greatest English poets of the twentieth century. He wrote over four hundred poems as well as numerous quotes. One such quote is: “Machines are beneficial to the degree that they eliminate the need for labor, harmful to the degree that they eliminate the need for skill.” This quote is applicable in a wide range of machinery. Although Auden might have been thinking of machines that are designed to do manual labor, his quote also holds true for computing devices like desktop computers, mobile devices, and calculators.
	Desktop computers are an obvious example of where this quote applies. Ever since the 1930s, computers have advanced at a rapid rate and are capable of a wide range of tasks. Many people use computers every day for tasks like sending emails, doing research, and managing finances. An integral part of computer technology is its internet connectivity. Computers possess networking capabilities, making it possible to link computers and achieve an exchange of information between them. However, as more tasks are being performed over the Internet, those who have never tried otherwise (e.g. to send a handwritten letter, to use the library, to withdraw money at the bank) might lack these social skills.
	Mobile devices take desktop computing to the next level, because what could previously only be done by large computing systems can now be done wherever one might be. Communication can happen on-the-go, and Internet access through cell phone towers means important information can be accessed from almost anywhere. But as humans become dependent on and absorbed in mobile devices, it reduces human interaction, just like a regular computer. Other basic skills like driving can be hindered to the point of danger by the use of cell phones. While information can be accessed at the touch of a button, too much of this convenience creates dependence and an incapability to develop other basic skills. Robert A. Heinlein once wrote: “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.” Information alone cannot take the place of experience.
	Although most mobile devices come with a calculator built in, many educational systems provide specialized calculators (e.g. graphing calculators) for use in mathematical courses. They provide a means of performing operations on large quantities of data quickly and efficiently. Many can also be programmed to solve specific equations or problems that would take much longer with a basic calculator. Programmable calculators can also be used for arbitrary tasks like automatically conjugating verbs and analyzing DNA, which could take much longer when done by hand. However, if calculators are allowed to be used before basic math is mastered, students are deprived of the ability to verify, or even come up with, their own answers. Calculator use then takes away the necessity for a student to know the basics, and needing to always carry one around is not an exciting prospect.
	By looking at how machines affect people, we can affirm the truth of W. H. Auden’s quote. Through everyday use of computers, phones, and calculators, there are skills to be gained and skills to be lost. While computing systems and networks may be faster at processing and transmitting data, it is also necessary to learn and use traditional methods as well. That way, if there is no device available, the task can still be performed. Additionally, not letting machinery interfere with human interaction is vital for social skills to be established and maintained.