Technology encompasses all the tools and devices that help people to better interact with each other, the social world, and the natural environment. This includes everything from the digital gadgets in your pocket to the physical objects that help you work and live: think laptops, tablets, printers, televisions, communication systems like satellite networks and the internet, and 3D printing.
Often the effects of technology are unpredictable and can be more complex than the designers intended. For example, the internet was originally designed to help transmit information between computer networks but has become a vital vehicle for commerce and introduced unexpected avenues of criminal activity and political influence. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter were designed to connect friends and family but have created new ways for us to share photographs, life updates, and personal details. Cryptocurrencies were designed as a form of decentralized digital cash but have also emerged as a powerful tool for money laundering and terrorist financing.
Technological advances are transforming every aspect of human life from the sublime of planetary science to the mundane of changing gears in your car. To understand the complexities and challenges of our technological future, we must liberate ourselves from scholars who reduce technology to instrumental reason and from pessimists who believe that a piece of technology has its own self-directed moral compass.
Companies are increasingly using technology as a major differentiator from their competition, as well as an important means to enhance productivity for their employees and customers. This is especially true for those in the business of building and maintaining technology, including businesses that specialize in IT support services or software development. In addition, universities are offering more degrees and certifications that equip students with the skills they need to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.