The Origins, Development, and Criticism of Technology

When you think of the Industrial Revolution, you probably think of factories and mass production. However, many of us do not realize that this was also a time of great technological discovery. This period was largely attributed to the use of steam power and the widespread factory system. Then, during the second industrial revolution, we developed the electric motor, light bulb, and powered flight, as well as many other advances in science and technology. As technology has continued to improve, we have seen skyscrapers and other large buildings come into existence, along with a broad urban area, motorized transportation, and other advancements in science and technology.
Origins

Human beings have used tools to help them survive and evolve. This is an extension of their evolutionary instincts, and the brain is the primary organ for these processes. Apes, for example, use sticks to beat bananas off of trees, but humans have evolved to make sticks into cutting tools. Since we’re the first human-like species, humans have always been toolmakers. The origins of technology can be traced back to this fundamental belief in cause and effect.

This conception is rooted in several studies. In the physico-theological tradition, the principle of action is linked to group wisdom and will. The physico-theological view of this relationship highlights how different disciplines have contributed to the development of technology. While both philosophies are related, there are some notable differences. While one definition of Technology focuses on the scientific process, the other emphasizes the practical application of technique.
Characteristics

The development of technology is a human activity influenced by culture and social contexts. Each technological outcome is intended for a particular place and time. Human societies, like all other societies, influence technology and its development. Although technology makes the world we live in better, it is deeply connected to the social world, and influences it. Technological determinists contend that technology drives social change. Sociologists of technology, on the other hand, argue that society shapes technology. Thus, the interaction between technology and society is difficult to identify.

Increasingly, technology is becoming the primary means of travel and communication. However, the cumulative impacts of new technologies will transform both modes of travel and land use. For example, the development of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles will alter the way we use land and resources. For example, these vehicles will require a fuel source to function, whether it is in the form of gas, liquid, or battery power. While this might seem like an unimportant issue, the implications of these new technologies are far-reaching.
Applications

An application of technology is a tool or software that performs a specific function for a person or organization. Examples of applications in the healthcare industry include electronic health records, mobile devices, database programs, and text processing systems. These tools allow hospitals and doctors to track patient data and alert them to possible drug or food intolerances. Various other applications are also available in the education field. Some examples of technology applications for the education industry include learning management systems (LMS) and interactive whiteboards.

Almost every industry in the world uses some kind of technology in some way. This includes communication, archiving records, video conferencing, and the internet. The manufacturing industry, for example, uses technology in manufacturing processes. In the field of robotics, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies are being used. Some applications are based on quantum phenomena. Quantum technology, for instance, developed the transistor, a fundamental building block of modern computers. Medical imaging also uses MRI scanners.
Criticisms

Criticisms of technology have many forms and can be categorized as either philosophical or scientific. Philosophical critiques of technology look at the effects of industrial or digital technologies on human beings and society. The more extreme critics argue that technology is inimical to human existence, particularly in advanced industrial societies. For instance, radical critics of technology may oppose everyday household products, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and computers, or even medication. Nevertheless, there are many shades of criticism.

While most critics write in royal “we” instead of the plural “we”, they fail to consider how technology affects users. As a result, their criticisms do not accurately reflect the interests or perspectives of actual users. Moreover, most tech writers are not employees of the technology companies they write about, so they cannot gain access to their users without corporate PR. In order to make a more nuanced critique, critics would need access to tech companies and develop mutual trust with them.
Future

One of the biggest questions facing the technology industry is how to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. A recent survey shows that just under 30% of tech executives are female and nearly 70% are white. Moreover, only 2.6% of venture capital goes to minority or female founders. The future of tech, then, lies in making it a more intentional place for people of color and women to lead. By leveraging these issues and more, tech companies can make a positive impact on society.

In 1820, human life expectancy was only 35 years, and 94% of the global population was living in extreme poverty. Today, over eighty percent of people are literate. Technological advancements have paved the way for these advances. In fact, without technology, we would be the world’s 7th largest polluter today. We can’t ignore the fact that the human race is a complex, interdependent species that needs to work together for a more sustainable future.