Technology is a general term used to describe tools, machines and systems that are created, developed or modified by humans to make life easier for themselves and other people. It is often used to refer to devices that are electronic in nature and are powered by electric currents, such as computers, printers, tablets and televisions. It also covers other types of electric-powered devices that process or transmit information, such as robots and communication systems like satellite networks and the internet.
Technological advancements have fueled human progress throughout history, improving living standards and transforming society. They’ve increased the efficiency of production, created new forms of energy, lowered transportation costs, and allowed for more widespread communications. But they can also create forces of change that challenge traditional economic relations and social norms. For example, online dating has disrupted romantic relationships and introduced new ways of meeting people. It has also led to the development of “deepfakes” — videos that appear to show someone doing or saying something they didn’t actually do or say.
In general, technology is a result of science and engineering, although the concepts themselves are separate from each other. Science studies the world and its laws, while engineering uses that knowledge to build tools and machines. But a technologist can also be a scientist or engineer, and they are able to envision future possibilities that may not be practical in the present.
Because of this, it is difficult to determine exactly where a line should be drawn between science and technology. It can be argued that technology involves the application of reason to techniques, but it is important to note that the development of these technologies has always been tied in to social conditions. It has not always been a linear progression; indeed, it is quite common for societies to regress and lose the techniques that they once had.
The term “technology” is derived from the ancient Greek word, techne, which meant skill in a particular activity or trade. The earliest definitions of the term were associated with building wooden houses by wattling sticks together, and later expanded to include specialized skills in medicine or in the arts. Some have argued that rhetoric was a form of techne, but others have disagreed.
In the business world, there are endless options for advanced technology solutions to increase productivity and efficiency, streamline processes, discover new opportunities, and more. Choosing the right tech solutions for your organization is vital, but it can be tricky. Explore five real-world examples of how businesses have implemented technology in their operations to achieve success and growth.