Technology refers to the set of tools that facilitate the use, creation, management and exchange of information.
In earlier times, the use of tools by humans was for the process of discovery and evolution. Tools stayed the same for a long time in the early part of human history, but it was also the complex human behaviors and tools of this era that gave rise to modern language, as many archaeologists believe.
Technology refers to the knowledge and use of tools, techniques, and systems to serve a greater purpose, such as solving problems or making life easier and better. Its importance to humans is enormous because technology helps them adapt to the environment. The development of high technology including internet and telephone computer technology has helped to overcome communication barriers and bridge the gap between people all over the world. While there are advantages to constantly evolving technology, its evolution has also seen its destructive power increase as evident in the creation of weapons of all kinds.
In a broader sense, technology impacts societies in developing advanced economies, making life more comfortable for more people who have access to such technology. But while it continues to offer better means for man’s daily life, it also has unwanted results such as pollution, the depletion of natural resources to the great disadvantage of the planet. Its influence on society can also be seen in how people use technology and its ethical importance in society. Debates constantly arise about the advantages and disadvantages of technology questioning the impact of technology in improving or worsening the human condition. Some movements have even risen up to criticize its harmful effects on the environment and its ways of alienating people. Still, there are others who see technology as beneficial to progress and the human condition. In fact, technology has evolved to serve not only human beings but also other members of the animal species.
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. Advances in science and technology have resulted in incremental development and disruptive technology. An example of incremental development is the gradual replacement of compact discs by DVD. While the disruptive developments are automobiles replacing horse-drawn carriages. The evolution of technologies marks the significant development of other technologies in different fields, such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics, cognitive science, artificial intelligence and information technology.
The rise of technologies is the result of current innovations in the various fields of technology. Some of these technologies combine power to achieve the same goals. This is known as converging technologies. Convergence is the process of combining separate technologies and merging resources to become more interactive and user friendly. An example of this would be high-tech with telephony features as well as combined data and video productivity features. Today technical innovations are emerging that represent progressive developments to take advantage of the competitive advantage of technology. Through the convergence of technologies, different fields combine to produce similar goals.