Technology is the application of knowledge creatively to organize and manage tasks involving people and machines for sustainable goals. It is important to understand how technologies shape our daily lives and the natural world. This understanding is necessary for those who research, design and develop technology but also for all the people who use it.
Technological developments throughout history have improved the efficiency of human labor and the productivity of machines, allowing multiple-fold increases in production over time. In addition to improving the quality of work, technology can help save valuable time by performing activities that are impossible for humans to do. For example, it allows you to purchase clothes online, which can be delivered to your home within a short period of time, enabling you to use this extra time on other important tasks.
It is important to understand that while technology can improve efficiency, it can also negatively impact our lives. Developing technology has the potential to alter human nature and the environment, which can lead to negative consequences. This is because technological innovations are often created with a narrow set of values and assumptions that can be detrimental to society.
The term ‘technology’ is derived from two Greek words: techne (art, skill, craft) and logos (word, saying, or expression). It describes the process of creating something new using materials and methods that combine art and science. The term is most broadly applied to tools and machines that enable humans to achieve certain ends by efficiently routing their finite energy, but it can also apply to virtual things, like computer software or business practices.
Throughout history, technology has been used for both good and bad purposes. For instance, the development of weaponry has reduced the need to travel by foot and enabled humans to control a much larger area, while the invention of printing has decreased barriers to communication and helped create global economies. Unfortunately, the potential of technology has also been harnessed for the creation of weapons of ever-increasing destructive power.
Technological progress is often a process of iteration and trial and error. Despite this, many early technologies appear promising and may have significant impacts on everyday life – but they are usually unable to move forward past the initial stages. This is because of the complexity of turning research and engineering results into usable technology. It is a rare occurrence when an idea can be transformed into a complete product in one go.
As the speed of technological change continues to increase, it is vital to consider how we can influence and support responsible, equitable, and sustainable growth in both our working and personal lives. This will require a greater involvement of policymakers in the technology design process, as well as training for them to have the analytic capacity to assess and respond to technological impacts on their societies. The future of humanity depends on it.