Explanation: Although the invention, that is, the improvement of the already existing printing press into a mobile printing press with the possibility of printing much larger than before, contributed to the literacy process, and at the time when the invention came to spread the ideas of the Renaissance, it can be said that there are some negative effects. When Gutenberg introduced his invention at the time of the Renaissance, it meant the spread of literacy and, consequently, the awareness of society. This again meant questioning the ideas of the Church, especially when, unlike the heavy books, initially printed, they began printing so-called pocket books. The portability and accessibility of ideas, philosophical theories, and new perspectives was even easier. Of course, this also contributed to trade, and with trade, technology from Asia, which involves using old rags to make paper, which is simpler than using calfskin as it was in the West.
Initially, printing was done using natural oil-based inks, thus far healthier for the environment and workers behind the printing press. During the development of printing for decades and centuries, ink with harmful chemicals began to be used for printing, which, especially in recent decades, has been scientifically proven to endanger human health in the long run. The use of bleach also contains harmful chemicals, and the chemicals required in the paper-making process emit toxic fumes. If we add that printing paper is no longer made of discarded rags but requires tree felling, it is obvious that the negative consequences are much more complex than it might seem at first glance.
Psychologists and sociologists have also given their opinions. It is well known that with the advent of pocket books it became easy and quick to distribute ideas, theories, literacy, etc. But it can also be used for propaganda purposes, because printed paper or a book can have the same impact as any other mass media. Recall the Nazis who distributed pamphlets with propaganda against Jews, and unfortunately this was a successful. Of course this was not the only case, but if it is a consolation, there are also reverse examples in history, they are positive. For example, Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense".
There is no need to generalize, the invention of the printing press is revolutionary, its importance immeasurable, but it must also address the possible negative effects that undoubtedly exist, both those that endanger people's lives and those from a sociological point of view.
