Technology is the process by which human beings gain knowledge, skills, resources and materials, or combine them to produce desired goods, services or processes. It can be a broad term, such as medical technology or space technology, or it can be more specific, such as the latest innovations in computer science.
A benefit of technology is that it can make things more efficient and faster. In some cases, it can even save lives.
For instance, when you use a digital camera to take photos, it takes less time and requires less energy than using a traditional film or darkroom. In the case of medicine, new devices help doctors to detect and treat illnesses in a matter of minutes.
In the business world, technology is an integral part of modern work. It can help you manage your finances, organize meetings and communicate with people all over the world.
It can also improve your productivity and make you more efficient in the workplace. In fact, it can be a major contributor to overall company profitability.
The word ‘technology’ comes from two Greek words, transliterated techne and logos, which means ‘art, skill, craft’ or ‘way by which something is gained’. It can be a broad term, ranging from the latest computer hardware and software to the most advanced biotechnology.
Usually, the development of new technologies is a gradual process; the completion of each step validates the underlying ideas and allows researchers to gain confidence in their progress. But sometimes early technologies stall midway through their development, a phenomenon known as the ‘death valley’.
When technology is implemented, it can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. It may contribute to pollution, or it might have a beneficial effect on the health of people and animals.
In addition, it can be used to develop weapons of destruction that have the potential to cause widespread damage. In fact, the technological advances that have allowed us to travel to distant planets and speak with people on the other side of the globe have also helped to develop weapons of mass destruction.
Negative impacts of technology on the environment can include smog and pollution. It can also affect the food supply and other natural resources. It can also destroy the natural habitat of many species and lead to population explosions.
Another negative impact of technology is that it can be a distraction from real life. Studies have shown that people are becoming less interested in real-life interaction and spending more time in the virtual world.
This can lead to mental illness, like depression and other psychological issues. It can also cause physical problems like obesity and heart disease.
When developing new technologies, engineers must consider all the constraints. These can include economic, political, social, ecological, and ethical factors. They must also strike a balance between these constraints and the values that they represent. The optimum design is one that reaches some reasonable compromise among these factors.