What was the primary concern about computers before personal computing became prevalent?

The primary concern about computers before personal computing became prevalent revolved around the fear that they could potentially eliminate jobs. During the early stages of computer development, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, there was significant anxiety that automation and computerization would lead to widespread unemployment as machines took over tasks traditionally performed by humans. This concern was fueled by the increasing capabilities of computers to perform complex calculations and data processing tasks that previously required human labor.

As personal computing emerged and began to be integrated into workplaces and homes, the dynamic shifted significantly, and computers became viewed more as tools for enhancing productivity rather than merely as a threat to jobs. This transition helped to alleviate some of the fears regarding job loss as individuals and businesses began to recognize the benefits of computing technology in augmenting human efforts rather than outright replacing them. Thus, the concern about job elimination was a significant aspect of the early discourse surrounding computers prior to their normalization in everyday life.