What is technology?
Technology refers to the collection of tools that make it easier to use, create, manage and exchange information.
In earlier times, the use of tools by human beings was for the purpose of discovery and evolution. Tools remained the same for a long time, in the earlier part of the history of mankind. But many archeologists now believe that it was during this era, when human behavior and tools became more complex, that modern language began.
Early implementation.
Technology refers to the knowledge and utilization of tools, techniques and systems in order to serve a bigger purpose. Such as solving problems or making life easier and better. Its significance on humans is tremendous, because technology helps humanity adapt to an ever changing environment.
The development of high technology including computers, the internet and the telephone, has helped conquer communication barriers, and bridge the gap between people all over the world.
While there are advantages to the constant evolution of technology. Their evolution has also seen the increase of its destructive power, as apparent in the creation of weapons of all kinds.
The effect of technology on society.
In a broader sense, technology affects societies in the development of creating advanced economies. Advanced economies, have made life more convenient for many people, who have access to new technology.
But while it continues to offer better means to man’s day to day living, there are negatives. These include an increase in pollution, depletion of natural resources, and a huge increase in waste generation. All these to the great disadvantage of the planet.
Ethical implications.
Its influence on society can also be seen in how people use technology, and its ethical significance to the fabric of society. Debates on the advantages and disadvantages of technology, constantly arise, and question, the impact of technology on the human condition. Are we as a society, better or worse off, as a result of the continuing implementation of technology? There are those who feel, that the harmful effects on the environment, coupled with the alienation of people, is not ideal.
Still, there are others that view technology as beneficial to progress and the human condition. In fact, technology has evolved to serve not just human beings but also other members of the animal species as well.
Science and engineering come together.
Technology is often seen as a consequence of science and engineering. Through the years, new technologies and methods have been developed through research and development. The advancements of both science and technology have resulted to incremental development and disruptive technology.
Incremental progress.
An example of incremental development is the gradual replacement of compact discs with DVD. While disruptive developments are automobiles replacing horse carriages. The evolution of technologies marks the significant development of other technologies in different fields, like nano technology, biotechnology, robotics, cognitive science, artificial intelligence and information technology.
Technology has allowed a rise in present day innovations, in a whole range of varied fields. The combination of different technologies to achieve a greater end result, is referred to as converging technologies.
Convergence of technologies.
Convergence is the process of combining separate technologies and merging resources to be more interactive and user friendly. An example of this would be high technology with telephony features. As well as data productivity and video combined features. Today technical innovations, representing progressive developments in many areas, are emerging to make use of technology’s competitive advantage. Through convergence of technologies, different fields combine together to produce much greater outcomes.