Technology is the use of conceptual knowledge to create tools and systems for human purposes. It uses the results of scientific, engineering, mathematical, linguistic and historical knowledge to achieve practical ends. Technology includes both tangible tools such as utensils and machines, and intangible tools such as software. Many people use the term broadly to include any invention or device that helps humans do things they could not do before. Others use the term more narrowly to mean only advanced technologies.
Modern technology can improve the quality of life, but it can also disrupt social structures and cause harm to individuals and the environment. Its development requires specialized education and training. Its products are often complex and expensive, requiring large investment. Some of its processes produce unwanted by-products and deplete natural resources. Its use can create new ethical questions that challenge traditional norms.
Some of the most significant technology in history has helped us overcome adversity and live a better life. For example, the stone-age hunter/gatherers used fire to kill and cook their food, and the development of iron allowed for the production of tools to make clothing, weapons, and shelter. Other technological developments such as the wheel and axle, the printing press, and the steam engine, have greatly improved our ability to travel and work.
Today, the world of technology continues to expand and evolve at a rapid pace. It has become the dominant factor in the global economy and has shaped many aspects of our daily lives. This is true of both developed and developing countries. Some of the fastest growing technologies are in fields such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and 5G connectivity.
For something name-checked so frequently in our society, it’s surprising how little we actually know about the concept of technology. Many people equate it with gadgets, but for those working in the enterprise or IT sector, the term tends to have a fairly specific definition that includes only those technologies associated with IT services.
A number of different definitions are possible, but the one most commonly employed is that technology is the application of knowledge to organised tasks involving people and machines, in ways that meet sustainable goals. This is usually contrasted with science, which involves reasoned investigation of phenomena in order to discover enduring principles.
For something that seems so integral to our everyday lives, keeping up with new technology is a full-time job for most. But every year, some new gadget is released that promises to upgrade our home offices, turn any living room into a cinema, step up our gaming setups and even improve our wellness regimes. Keeping tabs on every tech product that hits the shelves is impossible, but understanding how new innovations actually work can be easier.