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Technology then & now – comparison of past & present technology.

• by Hadiya Ikram
• October 24, 2022
• 3 minutes read
• 2 years ago

When we explore the development of technology, we can see how it has changed over time. These innovations help us understand how swiftly technology is developing. Today, technology created by humans itself rules the planet.

Vintage Technologies That We No Longer Use

• Phonographs
• Reel to Reel
• Cassette Tape Recorders
• Transistor Radios
• Cassette Tapes
• Telex Machines

Our lives are now controlled by technology. Without smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers, we couldn’t function. The technology market has boomed briefly, and many people today find it impossible to envision life without it. Understanding how technology develops and why it matters is essential to comprehend how we emerged from the dark ages (which weren’t long ago) to where we are now.

1: Way of Communication:

The advancement of technology has altered how we communicate. Back then, the only means of communication with people who lived far away was through the mail. Several technologies are now available to stay in contact with your folks. Calls, video chats, faxes, and texts are all possible with

2: CyberSecurity:

Security was necessary for everyone, whether they lived in 2022 or survived until 2035. Previously, or at that time, security was reserved for your home. Banks or shops employ security guards to safeguard your most valuable possessions. Cybersecurity takes steps to safeguard your valuable data online. These experts in cutting-edge technology shield everything from information about your bank account to data on your mobile device.

There are around 300 million hacker attempts worldwide, and all data sold on the black market depends on the sort of data or whose firms’ data is involved. As a result, huge businesses are now present here.

3: AI & Robotics:

You may have seen or heard about how robots would rule the world in 2030 and make people their servants in several movies. Some scientists thought of this as a comparison of human DNA and technology.

Science is addressing these AI robots as a significant threat to the current demanding jobs, even though their involvement was in processes in many industries. Hotels started them as waiters, or some machinery robots were used in packing factories or manufactured and assembled the product in the factory. According to research, machine learning is one of the most in-demand abilities worldwide, earning 190$ billion.

4: Advancement in Transportation:

Traveling back then took time. The only available modes of transportation at the time were ships, tiny wagons, and horse-drawn carriages with a terrible reputation. Arrival at the address takes a while. Transport is more practical as a result of technological advancement.

The pace at which technology progresses is extraordinary. Numerous new forms of transportation, including vehicles and planes, have been made possible by technology. Travel has undergone a rapid transformation thanks to recent inventions.

5: Progressive Media:

There haven’t been many entertainment-related technologies in history. However, technology development has also had great success in this area. Such devices were created using digital technology, enabling you to learn anything while sitting in your room.

The most popular kind of connectivity in the world is the internet. It offers several platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others. Just one click or tap, and you can connect to the globe; thanks to these platforms.

Conclusion:

Technologies always find a solution in due course and evolve. In the past year, technology has progressed at the speed of light. If a caveman lived in that period, he would be astounded to see a skillfully done digital appraisal.

Technical methods rely on the requirement for inventions to address problems. In the past, when Covid 19 emerged, we all entered the era of digital evolution, which, whether we like it or not, we must follow to survive. Problems have always been solved by new technologies.

Future years will witness more innovative technologies sprout and develop. Additionally, all of the aforementioned developing technologies directly affect you. Your contemporary mixed work environment is transformed by them as well.

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Home — Essay Samples — Information Science and Technology — Impact of Technology — How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

• Categories: Impact of Technology

About this sample

Words: 1130 |

Updated: 9 November, 2023

Words: 1130 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Table of contents

Hook examples for technology essay, technology essay example.

• A Digital Revolution: Enter the era of smartphones, AI, and the Internet of Things, where technology is the driving force. Join me as we explore how technology has transformed our lives and the profound impact it has on society.
• An Intriguing Quote: Arthur C. Clarke once said, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Let's delve into the magical world of modern technology and how it shapes our daily existence.
• The Paradox of Connectivity: Technology promises to connect us, yet it can also lead to isolation. Explore with me the paradox of our hyperconnected world and how it affects our relationships, both online and offline.
• The Impact on Work and Leisure: Discover how technology has revolutionized our work environments, blurring the lines between office and home. Together, we'll examine the changing landscape of leisure and entertainment in the digital age.
• Looking Ahead: As technology continues to advance, what lies on the horizon? Join me in discussing the future implications of emerging technologies and how they will further reshape our world in the years to come.

The Dark Side of Technological Advancement

• Increased Bullying
• Lack of Privacy
• Constant Distraction

Balancing Technology in Our Lives

Works cited.

• Anderson, M. (2018). The Effects of Technology on Teenagers. Verywell Family.
• Brown, B. W., & Bobkowski, P. S. (2011). Older and newer media: Patterns of use and effects on adolescents’ health and well-being. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 21(1), 95-113.
• Calvillo, D. P., & Downey, R. G. (2010). Mobile phones and interruption in college classrooms: Instructors’ attitudes, beliefs, and practices. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(2), 223-231.
• Clarke-Pearson, K., & O'Keeffe, G. (2011). The impact of social media on children, adolescents, and families. Pediatrics, 127(4), 800-804.
• Livingstone, S., & Smith, P. K. (2014). Annual research review: Harms experienced by child users of online and mobile technologies: The nature, prevalence and management of sexual and aggressive risks in the digital age. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(6), 635-654.
• Oulasvirta, A., Rattenbury, T., Ma, L., & Raita, E. (2012). Habits make smartphone use more pervasive. Personal and Ubiquitous Computing, 16(1), 105-114.
• Przybylski, A. K., & Weinstein, N. (2017). A large-scale test of the goldilocks hypothesis: Quantifying the relations between digital-screen use and the mental well-being of adolescents. Psychological Science, 28(2), 204-215.
• Rosen, L. D., Lim, A. F., Carrier, L. M., & Cheever, N. A. (2011). An empirical examination of the educational impact of text message-induced task switching in the classroom: Educational implications and strategies to enhance learning. Psicologia Educativa, 17(2), 163-177.
• Schulte, B. (2018). The human costs of bringing smartphones to every student. The Atlantic.
• Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among US adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3-17.

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How Technology Has Changed Our Lives Essay | Technology Has Changed Our Life Positively, Impact of Technology in Day To Day Life

December 3, 2021 by Prasanna

How Technology Has Changed Our Lives Essay: Technological innovations, applications, and advancements have impacted human civilization through ages that gradually transformed our lives. Technology has taken a key role for societies to thrive and evolve, while at the same time the structure and aspirations of human societies have been modified based on how they are being influenced by technology. As technological systems reflect the very essence of a population’s needs, human societies and their technology has become inseparable from one another. Our lives move around technology that results in the development of further innovations and applications to meet the needs of society.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long Essay on How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

Technology affecting the way of life

We all know that necessity is the mother of invention; so all invented technology came into place to meet the needs of people. Once developed, it changed our lives and behaviors in society, which may result in new ways of life. The people may simply use the technology to survive, or it may help the society to evolve and attain progress by creating a greater level of efficiency. At the same time, technological developments may even change the lifestyle and habits of people to the point of affecting human adaptive mechanisms and thus facilitating further technological evolution. Throughout the years, technology has kept providing us with amazing resources that can bring a vast difference in our everyday lives.

Every human society in the modern world has experienced technology as a utility and means of living more efficient lives. The infiltration of technology into our lives has been gradual and sometimes we may not even realize the extent to which technology has become part of our every waking moment. From the tiny to the enormous, every application of modern technology is opening a new world to us.

Technology is everywhere

The field of communication has seen very quick and significant changes in technology. Communication is immediate regardless of if a person is right there or across the globe. The education system has adapted new technology where students have the freedom to learn at any time and location of their choice through online facilities. The need for comfort and convenience has always been a strong motivator for the emergence of new technologies.

Access to any information is just a matter of a few clicks on the devices. The definition of entertainment has taken a new form with the latest technology. There has been a drastic change in our personal lives as we are open to numerous choices but we need to keep pace with their rapidly changing profiles. The most noticeable change in our lives has been the introduction of social media. This culture of getting involved in social networking through online mode has developed too fast. It allows a virtual entry into the lives of others in real-time whether they’re friends, followers, or celebrities.

Technology controlling us

Technology has made our lives faster and convenient by changing the way we do everything. As we move forward, technology accompanies us. We are surrounded by technology and become dependent on it. As we look around us and realize how technology has positively changed our lives, we must also remember how technology is controlling our lives by influencing our thought processes, ideas, and preferences. The big question is, whether we are using technology or being used by technology?

Too much dependence on technology has restricted the scope to flourish our creative and intellectual abilities. We are shifting to quantity from quality in terms of time, emotions, and relations. Our lives are getting trapped within technology and we feel helpless without the support. Technology is like an elevator that can take us to new heights as we desire, but we have to be ready to use the staircase as well in case it fails.

Short Essay on How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

Introduction

Technology has changed our lives and has made the world smaller with faster communication, instant information access, and online interactions. Technological advancements have brought everything to our fingertips, making life more enjoyable and convenient. Today, if you want to find something out, it only requires a couple of clicks on the internet. There is literally an app for anything, which renders instant and relevant information. From learning, traveling, dining to almost anything that you can think of is accessible through app technology.

Technology and Future

Technology has revolutionized our daily lives by giving us access to amazing tools and resources. Modern technology has paved the way for multi-functional devices which are faster, more portable, high-powered, and user-friendly. All these revolutions of technology have made our lives better, easier, faster, and more fulfilling. Technology has changed how we can entertain ourselves, interact with each other, and consume all types of information. There are so many new technologies evolving day by day that it seems overwhelming to adapt and keep track of. There is no doubt that the future of technology will continue to revolutionize our lives. In the coming days, driverless cars may be the new trend and robots will replace humans in factories.

The Online World

The latest technology trend has driven our daily lives centered on online activities more than ever before. Almost every aspect of our daily routines can be catered to online today, so it seems inevitable that our time spent online will only increase. Online accessibility to anything of our choice gives us a satisfactory level of convenience. It has changed our habits and preferences as well. But it has also made us vulnerable. Every digital footprint we make online is recorded and can be used by cybercriminals in unethical ways again by using some latest technology. So we have to be careful and updated while getting adapted to new technology.

FAQ’s on How Technology Has Changed Our Lives Essay

Question 1. Which app has helped us reach out somewhere more conveniently?

Answer: If we want to know how to reach somewhere, an app like Google Maps helps us get thereby giving the best route complete with directions, as well as satellite imaging.

Question 2. What is the impact of technology in the communication arena?

Answer: There are various online social networking sites that give us a chance to meet the rest of the world and make communication direct on this platform. It not only has changed the process of communication but also the way to build relationships.

Question 3 . How does the online mode of learning and education help us?

Answer: Education has now migrated from the classroom to the online platform and become accessible from any part of the world.

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Technology over the long run: zoom out to see how dramatically the world can change within a lifetime

It is easy to underestimate how much the world can change within a lifetime. considering how dramatically the world has changed can help us see how different the world could be in a few years or decades..

Technology can change the world in ways that are unimaginable until they happen. Switching on an electric light would have been unimaginable for our medieval ancestors. In their childhood, our grandparents would have struggled to imagine a world connected by smartphones and the Internet.

Similarly, it is hard for us to imagine the arrival of all those technologies that will fundamentally change the world we are used to.

We can remind ourselves that our own future might look very different from the world today by looking back at how rapidly technology has changed our world in the past. That’s what this article is about.

One insight I take away from this long-term perspective is how unusual our time is. Technological change was extremely slow in the past – the technologies that our ancestors got used to in their childhood were still central to their lives in their old age. In stark contrast to those days, we live in a time of extraordinarily fast technological change. For recent generations, it was common for technologies that were unimaginable in their youth to become common later in life.

The long-run perspective on technological change

The big visualization offers a long-term perspective on the history of technology. 1

The timeline begins at the center of the spiral. The first use of stone tools, 3.4 million years ago, marks the beginning of this history of technology. 2 Each turn of the spiral represents 200,000 years of history. It took 2.4 million years – 12 turns of the spiral – for our ancestors to control fire and use it for cooking. 3

To be able to visualize the inventions in the more recent past – the last 12,000 years – I had to unroll the spiral. I needed more space to be able to show when agriculture, writing, and the wheel were invented. During this period, technological change was faster, but it was still relatively slow: several thousand years passed between each of these three inventions.

From 1800 onwards, I stretched out the timeline even further to show the many major inventions that rapidly followed one after the other.

The long-term perspective that this chart provides makes it clear just how unusually fast technological change is in our time.

You can use this visualization to see how technology developed in particular domains. Follow, for example, the history of communication: from writing to paper, to the printing press, to the telegraph, the telephone, the radio, all the way to the Internet and smartphones.

Or follow the rapid development of human flight. In 1903, the Wright brothers took the first flight in human history (they were in the air for less than a minute), and just 66 years later, we landed on the moon. Many people saw both within their lifetimes: the first plane and the moon landing.

This large visualization also highlights the wide range of technology’s impact on our lives. It includes extraordinarily beneficial innovations, such as the vaccine that allowed humanity to eradicate smallpox , and it includes terrible innovations, like the nuclear bombs that endanger the lives of all of us .

What will the next decades bring?

The red timeline reaches up to the present and then continues in green into the future. Many children born today, even without further increases in life expectancy, will live well into the 22nd century.

New vaccines, progress in clean, low-carbon energy, better cancer treatments – a range of future innovations could very much improve our living conditions and the environment around us. But, as I argue in a series of articles , there is one technology that could even more profoundly change our world: artificial intelligence (AI).

One reason why artificial intelligence is such an important innovation is that intelligence is the main driver of innovation itself. This fast-paced technological change could speed up even more if it’s driven not only by humanity’s intelligence but also by artificial intelligence. If this happens, the change currently stretched out over decades might happen within a very brief time span of just a year. Possibly even faster. 4

I think AI technology could have a fundamentally transformative impact on our world. In many ways, it is already changing our world, as I documented in this companion article . As this technology becomes more capable in the years and decades to come, it can give immense power to those who control it (and it poses the risk that it could escape our control entirely).

Such systems might seem hard to imagine today, but AI technology is advancing quickly. Many AI experts believe there is a real chance that human-level artificial intelligence will be developed within the next decades, as I documented in this article .

Technology will continue to change the world – we should all make sure that it changes it for the better

What is familiar to us today – photography, the radio, antibiotics, the Internet, or the International Space Station circling our planet – was unimaginable to our ancestors just a few generations ago. If your great-great-great grandparents could spend a week with you, they would be blown away by your everyday life.

What I take away from this history is that I will likely see technologies in my lifetime that appear unimaginable to me today.

In addition to this trend towards increasingly rapid innovation, there is a second long-run trend. Technology has become increasingly powerful. While our ancestors wielded stone tools, we are building globe-spanning AI systems and technologies that can edit our genes.

Because of the immense power that technology gives those who control it, there is little that is as important as the question of which technologies get developed during our lifetimes. Therefore, I think it is a mistake to leave the question about the future of technology to the technologists. Which technologies are controlled by whom is one of the most important political questions of our time because of the enormous power these technologies convey to those who control them.

We all should strive to gain the knowledge we need to contribute to an intelligent debate about the world we want to live in. To a large part, this means gaining knowledge and wisdom on the question of which technologies we want.

Acknowledgments: I would like to thank my colleagues Hannah Ritchie, Bastian Herre, Natasha Ahuja, Edouard Mathieu, Daniel Bachler, Charlie Giattino, and Pablo Rosado for their helpful comments on drafts of this essay and the visualization. Thanks also to Lizka Vaintrob and Ben Clifford for the conversation that initiated this visualization.

Appendix: About the choice of visualization in this article

The recent speed of technological change makes it difficult to picture the history of technology in one visualization. When you visualize this development on a linear timeline, then most of the timeline is almost empty, while all the action is crammed into the right corner:

In my large visualization here, I tried to avoid this problem and instead show the long history of technology in a way that lets you see when each technological breakthrough happened and how, within the last millennia, there was a continuous acceleration of technological change.

The recent speed of technological change makes it difficult to picture the history of technology in one visualization. In the appendix, I show how this would look if it were linear.

It is, of course, difficult to assess when exactly the first stone tools were used.

The research by McPherron et al. (2010) suggested that it was at least 3.39 million years ago. This is based on two fossilized bones found in Dikika in Ethiopia, which showed “stone-tool cut marks for flesh removal and percussion marks for marrow access”. These marks were interpreted as being caused by meat consumption and provide the first evidence that one of our ancestors, Australopithecus afarensis, used stone tools.

The research by Harmand et al. (2015) provided evidence for stone tool use in today’s Kenya 3.3 million years ago.

References:

McPherron et al. (2010) – Evidence for stone-tool-assisted consumption of animal tissues before 3.39 million years ago at Dikika, Ethiopia . Published in Nature.

Harmand et al. (2015) – 3.3-million-year-old stone tools from Lomekwi 3, West Turkana, Kenya . Published in Nature.

Evidence for controlled fire use approximately 1 million years ago is provided by Berna et al. (2012) Microstratigraphic evidence of in situ fire in the Acheulean strata of Wonderwerk Cave, Northern Cape province, South Africa , published in PNAS.

The authors write: “The ability to control fire was a crucial turning point in human evolution, but the question of when hominins first developed this ability still remains. Here we show that micromorphological and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (mFTIR) analyses of intact sediments at the site of Wonderwerk Cave, Northern Cape province, South Africa, provide unambiguous evidence—in the form of burned bone and ashed plant remains—that burning took place in the cave during the early Acheulean occupation, approximately 1.0 Ma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the earliest secure evidence for burning in an archaeological context.”

This is what authors like Holden Karnofsky called ‘Process for Automating Scientific and Technological Advancement’ or PASTA. Some recent developments go in this direction: DeepMind’s AlphaFold helped to make progress on one of the large problems in biology, and they have also developed an AI system that finds new algorithms that are relevant to building a more powerful AI.

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Technology Now and Then

The modern societies have changed drastically over the past fifty years in regard on technology. The societies have become an information world where technology is almost everything as opposed to the past. Technology has changed and advanced a great deal presently compared to the earlier periods. Nowadays, it affects human life in different areas; for instance, it brings social change, educational change, agricultural change, and change in leisure activities among others.

Industrial Revolution and Technology

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Trade and Technology

In the past, the majority of the businesses were done locally and counting done manually. Technology has quickly changed the way people trade since the business people nowadays use internets, calculators, telephone, mobile forms, and airplanes (Klein, 2008). In the past, carrying goods to the marketplaces were done by people themselves or by use of animals such as donkeys, camels, and even cows (Klein, 2008). Presently, the trade industry has improved a great deal due to technology changes because traders can use vehicles and airplanes to transport and supply goods to the consumers. Starting a business in the past needed no registration since the technology was in its minimal form. On the other hand, when starting a business presently, registration is done in the local business registration offices, and a business name is applied using the computers with internets. In addition, with the birth of the internet, businesspersons can conduct international trade while they are in their countries without traveling all the way. This could not be done in the past as it forced the traders to travel all the way in order to take their goods and interact with the consumers.

Agriculture and Technology

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Education and Technology

Compared to the past, technology has estimably changed education. Teaching methods have advanced from ancient times to nowadays. In the past, science was taught through recitation method where learners memorized the machines without seeing them. But now, technology has led to the invention of laboratory, observation method, and fieldwork method with adequate laboratory facilities where science students can now observe the machines. In the past, some subjects were not included in the syllabus; for example, Information Technology. But due to advancement in technology, these topics have been added in the syllabus today. With this knowledge, the students now learn how to use computers (Zelkowitz, 2006). Thanks to technology advancements, students in schools around the world can learn using the computers. In the past, the students had to attend classes in person since there were no computers or laptops. Presently, with the invention of e-learning, students are able to learn online which is easier compared to the past (Hutchby, 2001).

Transport and Technology

In the past, people used animals such as camels, donkeys, horses, and cattle to travel from one area to another. This has changed with the Technology Revolution. Today, technology has invented machines, which make travelling easier than before, as they are quick and save time. Moreover, advancement in technology has led to the development of vehicles and trains, which people can use to travel to far places (Klein, 2008). There are also motorcycles and bicycles, which help people to travel on land. Presently, there are airplanes, jets, rockets, and airstrips, which people use to travel on air unlike in the past. In the past, people used boats, which were locally made to travel on water. These boats took a lot of time and needed a lot of energy to operate. But today, with the technology, many machines such as steamboats, ships, engine boats, and ferries have been invented (Klein, 2008). The invented machines now save time and energy and carry people as opposed to the earlier periods.

Communication and Technology

The types of medium people use to converse with one another have been advancing during the past years. The modes of communication have changed depending on the times, individual’s living situation, and advancement in technology (Klein, 2008). In the past, the types of communication technology devices have evolved from smoke signals and carrier pigeons to letters and telegrams. Later, in the 1800s, there was the invention of telegraphs, which brought about generational change in communication. Telegraph was the first main landmark in the development of communication technology (Zelkowitz, 2006). Today, people use efficient means of communication: mobile phones, e-mails, telephones, radio, cable television, and internet, which are faster than the ones used in the earlier periods. Nowadays, communication plays an important role in the public and private spheres as opposed to the past (Zelkowitz, 2006). Today, communication worldwide is at the tip of the finger and is factual. People use computers, Ipads, Blackberry playbooks, Tablets, and wireless internet to communicate instantly with the use of e-mail, text messaging, instant messaging, and video chats. Current technology makes communication continuous as it allows individuals to inarticulate themselves with a click of a button (Zelkowitz, 2006). People in the past were not exposed to the kind of technology that enabled face-to-face communication as today (Zelkowitz, 2006). Nowadays, people are able to communicate face to face despite the distance. For instance, one can have face-to-face communication through the application of 3G calls, Skype, and webcam (Hutchby, 2001). In ancient times, televisions were usually in optical screens, white and black images with few channels and with an antenna attached at the backs (Zelkowitz, 2006). But nowadays, there are varieties of televisions which appear in liquid crystal and plasma display. They have great sound systems and flat screens with clearer vision (Hutchby, 2001). The televisions also come in multitouch screens meaning we can control everything while watching. In conclusion, our everyday tasks have changed in one way or another due to technological advancement, and they are quickly becoming the norm. Numerous technological innovations have occurred since the beginning of humanity and contributed to the modern ones. The technological changes from the past to present always relate to survival needs like shelter, defense, or food. The technology revolution from the past to now helps in many aspects of our lives such as the economy, education, and health (Hutchby, 2001). Technological changes have positively driven civilization and changed cultural systems as it shapes and reflects the system’s values.

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Social involvement in technological advances

Modes of technological transmission.

• Earliest communities
• Tools and weapons
• Building techniques
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• Craftsmen and scientists
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• The mastery of iron
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• Military technology
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• Automation and the computer
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• Criticisms of technology
• Nuclear technology
• Population explosion
• Ecological balance
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• The quality of life

• Is Internet technology "making us stupid"?
• What is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technology on society?
• Where and when did the Industrial Revolution take place?
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history of technology

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• Frontiers - The Evolution of Technology and Physical Inactivity: The Good, the Bad, and the Way Forward
• San José State University - Introduction to the History of Technology
• Table Of Contents

history of technology , the development over time of systematic techniques for making and doing things. The term technology , a combination of the Greek technē , “art, craft,” with logos , “word, speech,” meant in Greece a discourse on the arts, both fine and applied. When it first appeared in English in the 17th century, it was used to mean a discussion of the applied arts only, and gradually these “arts” themselves came to be the object of the designation . By the early 20th century the term embraced a growing range of means, processes, and ideas in addition to tools and machines . By mid-century technology was defined by such phrases as “the means or activity by which man seeks to change or manipulate his environment.” Even such broad definitions have been criticized by observers who point out the increasing difficulty of distinguishing between scientific inquiry and technological activity.

A highly compressed account of the history of technology such as this one must adopt a rigorous methodological pattern if it is to do justice to the subject without grossly distorting it one way or another. The plan followed in the present article is primarily chronological, tracing the development of technology through phases that succeed each other in time. Obviously, the division between phases is to a large extent arbitrary. One factor in the weighting has been the enormous acceleration of Western technological development in recent centuries; Eastern technology is considered in this article in the main only as it relates to the development of modern technology.

Within each chronological phase a standard method has been adopted for surveying the technological experience and innovations . This begins with a brief review of the general social conditions of the period under discussion, and then goes on to consider the dominant materials and sources of power of the period, and their application to food production, manufacturing industry , building construction , transport and communications, military technology , and medical technology. In a final section the sociocultural consequences of technological change in the period are examined. This framework is modified according to the particular requirements of every period— discussions of new materials, for instance, occupy a substantial place in the accounts of earlier phases when new metals were being introduced but are comparatively unimportant in descriptions of some of the later phases—but the general pattern is retained throughout. One key factor that does not fit easily into this pattern is that of the development of tools. It has seemed most convenient to relate these to the study of materials, rather than to any particular application, but it has not been possible to be completely consistent in this treatment. Further discussion of specific areas of technological development is provided in a variety of other articles: for example, see electronics ; exploration ; information processing .

General considerations

Essentially, techniques are methods of creating new tools and products of tools, and the capacity for constructing such artifacts is a determining characteristic of humanlike species. Other species make artifacts: bees build elaborate hives to deposit their honey, birds make nests, and beavers build dams. But these attributes are the result of patterns of instinctive behaviour and cannot be varied to suit rapidly changing circumstances. Human beings, in contrast to other species, do not possess highly developed instinctive reactions but do have the capacity to think systematically and creatively about techniques. Humans can thus innovate and consciously modify the environment in a way no other species has achieved. An ape may on occasion use a stick to beat bananas from a tree, but a person can fashion the stick into a cutting tool and remove a whole bunch of bananas. Somewhere in the transition between the two, the hominid, the first humanlike species, emerges. By virtue of humanity’s nature as a toolmaker, humans have therefore been technologists from the beginning, and the history of technology encompasses the whole evolution of humankind.

In using rational faculties to devise techniques and modify the environment, humankind has attacked problems other than those of survival and the production of wealth with which the term technology is usually associated today. The technique of language , for example, involves the manipulation of sounds and symbols in a meaningful way, and similarly the techniques of artistic and ritual creativity represent other aspects of the technological incentive. This article does not deal with these cultural and religious techniques, but it is valuable to establish their relationship at the outset because the history of technology reveals a profound interaction between the incentives and opportunities of technological innovation on the one hand and the sociocultural conditions of the human group within which they occur on the other.

An awareness of this interaction is important in surveying the development of technology through successive civilizations. To simplify the relationship as much as possible, there are three points at which there must be some social involvement in technological innovation: social need, social resources, and a sympathetic social ethos . In default of any of these factors it is unlikely that a technological innovation will be widely adopted or be successful.

The sense of social need must be strongly felt, or people will not be prepared to devote resources to a technological innovation. The thing needed may be a more efficient cutting tool, a more powerful lifting device, a labour-saving machine , or a means of using new fuels or a new source of energy. Or, because military needs have always provided a stimulus to technological innovation, it may take the form of a requirement for better weapons. In modern societies, needs have been generated by advertising. Whatever the source of social need, it is essential that enough people be conscious of it to provide a market for an artifact or commodity that can meet the need.

Social resources are similarly an indispensable prerequisite to a successful innovation. Many inventions have foundered because the social resources vital for their realization—the capital, materials, and skilled personnel—were not available. The notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci are full of ideas for helicopters , submarines , and airplanes , but few of these reached even the model stage because resources of one sort or another were lacking. The resource of capital involves the existence of surplus productivity and an organization capable of directing the available wealth into channels in which the inventor can use it. The resource of materials involves the availability of appropriate metallurgical, ceramic, plastic , or textile substances that can perform whatever functions a new invention requires of them. The resource of skilled personnel implies the presence of technicians capable of constructing new artifacts and devising novel processes. A society, in short, has to be well primed with suitable resources in order to sustain technological innovation.

A sympathetic social ethos implies an environment receptive to new ideas, one in which the dominant social groups are prepared to consider innovation seriously. Such receptivity may be limited to specific fields of innovation—for example, improvements in weapons or in navigational techniques—or it may take the form of a more generalized attitude of inquiry, as was the case among the industrial middle classes in Britain during the 18th century, who were willing to cultivate new ideas and inventors, the breeders of such ideas. Whatever the psychological basis of inventive genius, there can be no doubt that the existence of socially important groups willing to encourage inventors and to use their ideas has been a crucial factor in the history of technology.

Social conditions are thus of the utmost importance in the development of new techniques, some of which will be considered below in more detail. It is worthwhile, however, to register another explanatory note. This concerns the rationality of technology. It has already been observed that technology involves the application of reason to techniques, and in the 20th century it came to be regarded as almost axiomatic that technology is a rational activity stemming from the traditions of modern science. Nevertheless, it should be observed that technology, in the sense in which the term is being used here, is much older than science, and also that techniques have tended to ossify over centuries of practice or to become diverted into such para-rational exercises as alchemy. Some techniques became so complex, often depending upon processes of chemical change that were not understood even when they were widely practiced, that technology sometimes became itself a “mystery” or cult into which an apprentice had to be initiated like a priest into holy orders , and in which it was more important to copy an ancient formula than to innovate. The modern philosophy of progress cannot be read back into the history of technology; for most of its long existence technology has been virtually stagnant, mysterious, and even irrational. It is not fanciful to see some lingering fragments of this powerful technological tradition in the modern world, and there is more than an element of irrationality in the contemporary dilemma of a highly technological society contemplating the likelihood that it will use its sophisticated techniques in order to accomplish its own destruction. It is thus necessary to beware of overfacile identification of technology with the “progressive” forces in contemporary civilization.

On the other hand it is impossible to deny that there is a progressive element in technology, as it is clear from the most elementary survey that the acquisition of techniques is a cumulative matter, in which each generation inherits a stock of techniques on which it can build if it chooses and if social conditions permit. Over a long period of time the history of technology inevitably highlights the moments of innovation that show this cumulative quality as some societies advance, stage by stage, from comparatively primitive to more sophisticated techniques. But although this development has occurred and is still going on, it is not intrinsic to the nature of technology that such a process of accumulation should occur, and it has certainly not been an inevitable development. The fact that many societies have remained stagnant for long periods of time, even at quite developed stages of technological evolution, and that some have actually regressed and lost the accumulated techniques passed on to them, demonstrates the ambiguous nature of technology and the critical importance of its relationship with other social factors.

Another aspect of the cumulative character of technology that will require further investigation is the manner of transmission of technological innovations. This is an elusive problem, and it is necessary to accept the phenomenon of simultaneous or parallel invention in cases in which there is insufficient evidence to show the transmission of ideas in one direction or another. The mechanics of their transmission have been enormously improved in recent centuries by the printing press and other means of communication and also by the increased facility with which travelers visit the sources of innovation and carry ideas back to their own homes. Traditionally, however, the major mode of transmission has been the movement of artifacts and craftsmen. Trade in artifacts has ensured their widespread distribution and encouraged imitation. Even more important, the migration of craftsmen—whether the itinerant metalworkers of early civilizations or the German rocket engineers whose expert knowledge was acquired by both the Soviet Union and the United States after World War II—has promoted the spread of new technologies.

The evidence for such processes of technological transmission is a reminder that the material for the study of the history of technology comes from a variety of sources. Much of it relies, like any historical examination, on documentary matter, although this is sparse for the early civilizations because of the general lack of interest in technology on the part of scribes and chroniclers. For these societies, therefore, and for the many millennia of earlier unrecorded history in which slow but substantial technological advances were made, it is necessary to rely heavily upon archaeological evidence. Even in connection with the recent past, the historical understanding of the processes of rapid industrialization can be made deeper and more vivid by the study of “industrial archaeology.” Much valuable material of this nature has been accumulated in museums, and even more remains in the place of its use for the observation of the field worker. The historian of technology must be prepared to use all these sources, and to call upon the skills of the archaeologist, the engineer, the architect, and other specialists as appropriate.

How Technology Affects Our Lives – Essay

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Do you wish to explore the use of information technology in daily life? Essays like the one below discuss this topic in depth. Read on to find out more.

Introduction

Technology in communication, technology in healthcare, technology in government, technology in education, technology in business, negative impact of technology.

Technology is a vital component of life in the modern world. People are so dependent on technology that they cannot live without it. Technology is important and useful in all areas of human life today. It has made life easy and comfortable by making communication and transport faster and easier (Harrington, 2011, p.35).

It has made education accessible to all and has improved healthcare services. Technology has made the world smaller and a better place to live. Without technology, fulfilling human needs would be a difficult task. Before the advent of technology, human beings were still fulfilling their needs. However, with technology, fulfillment of needs has become easier and faster.

It is unimaginable how life would be without technology. Technology is useful in the following areas: transport, communication, interaction, education, healthcare, and business (Harrington, 2011, p.35). Despite its benefits, technology has negative impacts on society. Examples of negative impacts of technology include the development of controversial medical practices such as stem cell research and the embracement of solitude due to changes in interaction methods. For example, social media has changed the way people interact.

Technology has led to the introduction of cloning, which is highly controversial because of its ethical and moral implications. The growth of technology has changed the world significantly and has influenced life in a great way. Technology is changing every day and continuing to influence areas of communication, healthcare, governance, education, and business.

Technology has contributed fundamentally in improving people’s lifestyles. It has improved communication by incorporating the Internet and devices such as mobile phones into people’s lives. The first technological invention to have an impact on communication was the discovery of the telephone by Graham Bell in 1875.

Since then, other inventions such as the Internet and the mobile phone have made communication faster and easier. For example, the Internet has improved ways through which people exchange views, opinions, and ideas through online discussions (Harrington, 2011, p.38). Unlike in the past when people who were in different geographical regions could not easily communicate, technology has eradicated that communication barrier. People in different geographical regions can send and receive messages within seconds.

Online discussions have made it easy for people to keep in touch. In addition, they have made socializing easy. Through online discussions, people find better solutions to problems by exchanging opinions and ideas (Harrington, 2011, p.39). Examples of technological inventions that facilitate online discussions include emails, online forums, dating websites, and social media sites.

Another technological invention that changed communication was the mobile phone. In the past, people relied on letters to send messages to people who were far away. Mobile phones have made communication efficient and reliable. They facilitate both local and international communication.

In addition, they enable people to respond to emergencies and other situations that require quick responses. Other uses of cell phones include the transfer of data through applications such as infrared and Bluetooth, entertainment, and their use as miniature personal computers (Harrington, 2011, p.40).

The latest versions of mobile phones are fitted with applications that enable them to access the Internet. This provides loads of information in diverse fields for mobile phone users. For business owners, mobile phones enhance the efficiency of their business operations because they are able to keep in touch with their employees and suppliers (Harrington, 2011, p.41). In addition, they are able to receive any information about the progress of their business in a short period of time.

Technology has contributed significantly to the healthcare sector. For example, it has made vital contributions in the fields of disease prevention and health promotion. Technology has aided in the understanding of the pathophysiology of diseases, which has led to the prevention of many diseases. For example, understanding the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract and blood diseases has aided in their effective management (Harrington, 2011, p.49).

Technology has enabled practitioners in the medical field to make discoveries that have changed the healthcare sector. These include the discovery that peptic ulceration is caused by a bacterial infection and the development of drugs to treat schizophrenia and depressive disorders that afflict a greater portion of the population (Harrington, 2011, p.53). The development of vaccines against polio and measles led to their total eradication.

Children who are vaccinated against these diseases are not at risk of contracting the diseases. The development of vaccines was facilitated by technology, without which certain diseases would still be causing deaths in great numbers. Vaccines play a significant role in disease prevention.

Technology is used in health promotion in different ways. First, health practitioners use various technological methods to improve health care. eHealth refers to the use of information technology to improve healthcare by providing information on the Internet to people. In this field, technology is used in three main ways.

These include its use as an intervention tool, its use in conducting research studies, and its use for professional development (Lintonen et al, 2008, p. 560). According to Lintonenet al (2008), “e-health is the use of emerging information and communications technology, especially the internet, to improve or enable health and healthcare.” (p.560). It is largely used to support health care interventions that are mainly directed towards individual persons. Secondly, it is used to improve the well-being of patients during recovery.

Bedside technology has contributed significantly in helping patients recover. For example, medical professionals have started using the Xbox computer technology to develop a revolutionary process that measures limb movements in stroke patients (Tanja-Dijkstra, 2011, p.48). This helps them recover their manual competencies. The main aim of this technology is to help stroke patients do more exercises to increase their recovery rate and reduce the frequency of visits to the hospital (Lintonen et al, 2008, p. 560).

The government has utilized technology in two main areas. These include the facilitation of the delivery of citizen services and the improvement of defense and national security (Scholl, 2010, p.62). The government is spending large sums of money on wireless technologies, mobile gadgets, and technological applications. This is in an effort to improve their operations and ensure that the needs of citizens are fulfilled.

For example, in order to enhance safety and improve service delivery, Cisco developed a networking approach known as Connected Communities. This networking system connects citizens with the government and the community. The system was developed to improve the safety and security of citizens, improve service delivery by the government, empower citizens, and encourage economic development.

The government uses technology to provide information and services to citizens. This encourages economic development and fosters social inclusion (Scholl, 2010, p.62). Technology is also useful in improving national security and the safety of citizens. It integrates several wireless technologies and applications that make it easy for security agencies to access and share important information effectively. Technology is widely used by security agencies to reduce vulnerability to terrorism.

Technologically advanced gadgets are used in airports, hospitals, shopping malls, and public buildings to screen people for explosives and potentially dangerous materials or gadgets that may compromise the safety of citizens (Bonvillian and Sharp, 2001, par2). In addition, security agencies use surveillance systems to restrict access to certain areas. They also use technologically advanced screening and tracking methods to improve security in places that are prone to terrorist attacks (Bonvillian and Sharp, 2001, par3).

Technology has made significant contributions in the education sector. It is used to enhance teaching and learning through the use of different technological methods and resources. These include classrooms with digital tools such as computers that facilitate learning, online learning schools, blended learning, and a wide variety of online learning resources (Barnett, 1997, p.74). Digital learning tools that are used in classrooms facilitate learning in different ways. They expand the scope of learning materials and experiences for students, improve student participation in learning, make learning easier and quick, and reduce the cost of education (Barnett, 1997, p.75). For example, online schools and free learning materials reduce the costs that are incurred in purchasing learning materials. They are readily available online. In addition, they reduce the expenses that are incurred in program delivery.

Technology has improved the process of teaching by introducing new methods that facilitate connected teaching. These methods virtually connect teachers to their students. Teachers are able to provide learning materials and the course content to students effectively. In addition, teachers are able to give students an opportunity to personalize learning and access all learning materials that they provide. Technology enables teachers to serve the academic needs of different students.

In addition, it enhances learning because the problem of distance is eradicated, and students can contact their teachers easily (Barnett, 1997, p.76). Technology plays a significant role in changing how teachers teach. It enables educators to evaluate the learning abilities of different students in order to devise teaching methods that are most efficient in the achievement of learning objectives.

Through technology, teachers are able to relate well with their students, and they are able to help and guide them. Educators assume the role of coaches, advisors, and experts in their areas of teaching. Technology helps make teaching and learning enjoyable and gives it meaning that goes beyond the traditional classroom set-up system (Barnett, 1997, p.81).

Technology is used in the business world to improve efficiency and increase productivity. Most important, technology is used as a tool to foster innovation and creativity (Ray, 2004, p.62). Other benefits of technology to businesses include the reduction of injury risk to employees and improved competitiveness in the markets. For example, many manufacturing businesses use automated systems instead of manual systems. These systems eliminate the costs of hiring employees to oversee manufacturing processes.

They also increase productivity and improve the accuracy of the processes because of the reduction of errors (Ray, 2004, p.63). Technology improves productivity due to Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAM), Computer-integrated Manufacturing (CIM), and Computer-aided Design (CAD). CAM reduces labor costs, increases the speed of production, and ensures a higher level of accuracy (Hunt, 2008, p.44). CIM reduces labor costs, while CAD improves the quality and standards of products and reduces the cost of production.

Another example of the use of technology in improving productivity and output is the use of database systems to store data and information. Many businesses store their data and other information in database systems that make accessibility of information fast, easy, and reliable (Pages, 2010, p.44).

Technology has changed how international business is conducted. With the advent of e-commerce, businesses became able to trade through the Internet on the international market (Ray, 2004, p.69). This means that there is a large market for products and services. In addition, it implies that most markets are open 24 hours a day.

For example, customers can shop for books or music on Amazon.com at any time of the day. E-commerce has given businesses the opportunity to expand and operate internationally. Countries such as China and Brazil are taking advantage of opportunities presented by technology to grow their economy.

E-commerce reduces the complexities involved in conducting international trade (Ray, 2004, p.71). Its many components make international trade easy and fast. For example, a BOES system allows merchants to execute trade transactions in any language or currency, monitor all steps involved in transactions, and calculate all costs involved, such as taxes and freight costs (Yates, 2006, p.426).

Financial researchers claim that a BOES system is capable of reducing the cost of an international transaction by approximately 30% (Ray, 2004, p.74). BOES enables businesses to import and export different products through the Internet. This system of trade is efficient and creates a fair environment in which small and medium-sized companies can compete with large companies that dominate the market.

Despite its many benefits, technology has negative impacts. It has negative impacts on society because it affects communication and has changed the way people view social life. First, people have become more anti-social because of changes in methods of socializing (Harrington, 2008, p.103). Today, one does not need to interact physically with another person in order to establish a relationship.

The Internet is awash with dating sites that are full of people looking for partners and friends. The ease of forming friendships and relationships through the Internet has discouraged many people from engaging in traditional socializing activities. Secondly, technology has affected the economic statuses of many families because of high rates of unemployment. People lose jobs when organizations and businesses embrace technology (Harrington, 2008, p.105).

For example, many employees lose their jobs when manufacturing companies replace them with automated machines that are more efficient and cost-effective. Many families are struggling because of the lack of a constant stream of income. On the other hand, technology has led to the closure of certain companies because the world does not need their services. This is prompted by technological advancements.

For example, the invention of digital cameras forced Kodak to close down because people no longer needed analog cameras. Digital cameras replaced analog cameras because they are easy to use and efficient. Many people lost their jobs due to changes in technology. Thirdly, technology has made people lazy and unwilling to engage in strenuous activities (Harrington, 2008, p.113).

For example, video games have replaced physical activities that are vital in improving the health of young people. Children spend a lot of time watching television and playing video games such that they have little or no time for physical activities. This has encouraged the proliferation of unhealthy eating habits that lead to conditions such as diabetes.

Technology has elicited heated debates in the healthcare sector. Technology has led to medical practices such as stem cell research, implant embryos, and assisted reproduction. Even though these practices have been proven viable, they are highly criticized on the grounds of their moral implications on society.

There are many controversial medical technologies, such as gene therapy, pharmacogenomics, and stem cell research (Hunt, 2008, p.113). The use of genetic research in finding new cures for diseases is imperative and laudable. However, the medical implications of these disease treatment methods and the ethical and moral issues associated with the treatment methods are critical. Gene therapy is mostly rejected by religious people.

They claim that it is against natural law to alter the gene composition of a person in any way (Hunt, 2008, p.114). The use of embryonic stem cells in research is highly controversial, unlike the use of adult stem cells. The controversy exists because of the source of the stem cells. The cells are obtained from embryos. There is a belief among many people that life starts after conception.

Therefore, using embryos in research means killing them to obtain their cells for research. The use of embryo cells in research is considered in the same light as abortion: eliminating a life (Hunt, 2008, p.119). These issues have led to disagreements between the science and the religious worlds.

Technology is a vital component of life in the modern world. People are so dependent on technology that they cannot live without it. Technology is important and useful in all areas of human life today.

It has made life easy and comfortable by making communication faster and travel faster, making movements between places easier, making actions quick, and easing interactions. Technology is useful in the following areas of life: transport, communication, interaction, education, healthcare, and business. Despite its benefits, technology has negative impacts on society.

Technology has eased communication and transport. The discovery of the telephone and the later invention of the mobile phone changed the face of communication entirely. People in different geographical regions can communicate easily and in record time. In the field of health care, technology has made significant contributions in disease prevention and health promotion. The development of vaccines has eradicated certain diseases, and the use of the Internet is vital in promoting health and health care.

The government uses technology to enhance the delivery of services to citizens and the improvement of defense and security. In the education sector, teaching and learning processes have undergone significant changes owing to the impact of technology. Teachers are able to relate to different types of learners, and the learners have access to various resources and learning materials. Businesses benefit from technology through the reduction of costs and increased efficiency of business operations.

Despite the benefits, technology has certain disadvantages. It has negatively affected human interactions and socialization and has led to widespread unemployment. In addition, its application in the healthcare sector has elicited controversies due to certain medical practices such as stem cell research and gene therapy. Technology is very important and has made life easier and more comfortable than it was in the past.

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Hunt, S. (2008). Controversies in Treatment Approaches: Gene Therapy, IVF, Stem Cells and Pharmagenomics. Nature Education , 19(1), 112-134.

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Pages, J., Bikifalvi, A., and De Castro Vila, R. (2010). The Use and Impact of Technology in Factory Environments: Evidence from a Survey of Manufacturing Industry in Spain. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology , 47(1), 182-190.

Ray, R. (2004). Technology Solutions for Growing Businesses . New York: AMACOM Div American Management Association.

Scholl, H. (2010). E-government: Information, Technology and Transformation . New York: M.E. Sharpe.

Tanja-Dijkstra, K. (2011). The Impact of Bedside Technology on Patients’ Well-Being. Health Environments Research & Design Journal (HERD) , 5(1), 43-51.

Yates, J. (2006). How Business Enterprises use Technology: Extending the Demand-Side Turn. Enterprise and Society , 7(3), 422-425.

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Technology then and now, yvette smith.

In today’s digital world, we take downloading images quickly and easily for granted. Just a few decades ago downloading images from our spacecraft was not quite so simple. Before there were computers and software that could stitch together digital images, they were printed on photo paper, trimmed by hand, and taped in place on a large black board, according to a detailed diagram of the spacecraft’s photo coverage of a planet. This preliminary mosaic was then photographed and used to provide a rough view of coverage, show latitude and longitude of geographical features, and show gaps in coverage. Additional mosaics were later created with filtered, corrected and enhanced photos, and more precise scale and placement.

In this image from 1972, Patricia “Patsy” Conklin worked in the Bioscience and Planetology Section at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She was one of the people at JPL who assembled Mariner 9 photos into large mosaics. JPL produced 96 mosaic boards of selected areas of the Martian surface, and the United States Geological Survey created others. A photo mosaic was also created on a four-foot globe.

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• Technology Essay

Essay on Technology

The word "technology" and its uses have immensely changed since the 20th century, and with time, it has continued to evolve ever since. We are living in a world driven by technology. The advancement of technology has played an important role in the development of human civilization, along with cultural changes. Technology provides innovative ways of doing work through various smart and innovative means. 

Electronic appliances, gadgets, faster modes of communication, and transport have added to the comfort factor in our lives. It has helped in improving the productivity of individuals and different business enterprises. Technology has brought a revolution in many operational fields. It has undoubtedly made a very important contribution to the progress that mankind has made over the years.

The Advancement of Technology:

Technology has reduced the effort and time and increased the efficiency of the production requirements in every field. It has made our lives easy, comfortable, healthy, and enjoyable. It has brought a revolution in transport and communication. The advancement of technology, along with science, has helped us to become self-reliant in all spheres of life. With the innovation of a particular technology, it becomes part of society and integral to human lives after a point in time.

Technology is Our Part of Life:

Technology has changed our day-to-day lives. Technology has brought the world closer and better connected. Those days have passed when only the rich could afford such luxuries. Because of the rise of globalisation and liberalisation, all luxuries are now within the reach of the average person. Today, an average middle-class family can afford a mobile phone, a television, a washing machine, a refrigerator, a computer, the Internet, etc. At the touch of a switch, a man can witness any event that is happening in far-off places.  

Benefits of Technology in All Fields: 

We cannot escape technology; it has improved the quality of life and brought about revolutions in various fields of modern-day society, be it communication, transportation, education, healthcare, and many more. Let us learn about it.

Technology in Communication:

With the advent of technology in communication, which includes telephones, fax machines, cellular phones, the Internet, multimedia, and email, communication has become much faster and easier. It has transformed and influenced relationships in many ways. We no longer need to rely on sending physical letters and waiting for several days for a response. Technology has made communication so simple that you can connect with anyone from anywhere by calling them via mobile phone or messaging them using different messaging apps that are easy to download.

Innovation in communication technology has had an immense influence on social life. Human socialising has become easier by using social networking sites, dating, and even matrimonial services available on mobile applications and websites.

Today, the Internet is used for shopping, paying utility bills, credit card bills, admission fees, e-commerce, and online banking. In the world of marketing, many companies are marketing and selling their products and creating brands over the internet. 

In the field of travel, cities, towns, states, and countries are using the web to post detailed tourist and event information. Travellers across the globe can easily find information on tourism, sightseeing, places to stay, weather, maps, timings for events, transportation schedules, and buy tickets to various tourist spots and destinations.

Technology in the Office or Workplace:

Technology has increased efficiency and flexibility in the workspace. Technology has made it easy to work remotely, which has increased the productivity of the employees. External and internal communication has become faster through emails and apps. Automation has saved time, and there is also a reduction in redundancy in tasks. Robots are now being used to manufacture products that consistently deliver the same product without defect until the robot itself fails. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology are innovations that are being deployed across industries to reap benefits.

Technology has wiped out the manual way of storing files. Now files are stored in the cloud, which can be accessed at any time and from anywhere. With technology, companies can make quick decisions, act faster towards solutions, and remain adaptable. Technology has optimised the usage of resources and connected businesses worldwide. For example, if the customer is based in America, he can have the services delivered from India. They can communicate with each other in an instant. Every company uses business technology like virtual meeting tools, corporate social networks, tablets, and smart customer relationship management applications that accelerate the fast movement of data and information.

Technology in Education:

Technology is making the education industry improve over time. With technology, students and parents have a variety of learning tools at their fingertips. Teachers can coordinate with classrooms across the world and share their ideas and resources online. Students can get immediate access to an abundance of good information on the Internet. Teachers and students can access plenty of resources available on the web and utilise them for their project work, research, etc. Online learning has changed our perception of education. 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a paradigm shift using technology where school-going kids continued their studies from home and schools facilitated imparting education by their teachers online from home. Students have learned and used 21st-century skills and tools, like virtual classrooms, AR (Augmented Reality), robots, etc. All these have increased communication and collaboration significantly. 

Technology in Banking:

Technology and banking are now inseparable. Technology has boosted digital transformation in how the banking industry works and has vastly improved banking services for their customers across the globe.

Technology has made banking operations very sophisticated and has reduced errors to almost nil, which were somewhat prevalent with manual human activities. Banks are adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase their efficiency and profits. With the emergence of Internet banking, self-service tools have replaced the traditional methods of banking. 

You can now access your money, handle transactions like paying bills, money transfers, and online purchases from merchants, and monitor your bank statements anytime and from anywhere in the world. Technology has made banking more secure and safe. You do not need to carry cash in your pocket or wallet; the payments can be made digitally using e-wallets. Mobile banking, banking apps, and cybersecurity are changing the face of the banking industry.

Manufacturing and Production Industry Automation:

At present, manufacturing industries are using all the latest technologies, ranging from big data analytics to artificial intelligence. Big data, ARVR (Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality), and IoT (Internet of Things) are the biggest manufacturing industry players. Automation has increased the level of productivity in various fields. It has reduced labour costs, increased efficiency, and reduced the cost of production.

For example, 3D printing is used to design and develop prototypes in the automobile industry. Repetitive work is being done easily with the help of robots without any waste of time. This has also reduced the cost of the products. 

Technology in the Healthcare Industry:

Technological advancements in the healthcare industry have not only improved our personal quality of life and longevity; they have also improved the lives of many medical professionals and students who are training to become medical experts. It has allowed much faster access to the medical records of each patient. 

The Internet has drastically transformed patients' and doctors’ relationships. Everyone can stay up to date on the latest medical discoveries, share treatment information, and offer one another support when dealing with medical issues. Modern technology has allowed us to contact doctors from the comfort of our homes. There are many sites and apps through which we can contact doctors and get medical help. 

Breakthrough innovations in surgery, artificial organs, brain implants, and networked sensors are examples of transformative developments in the healthcare industry. Hospitals use different tools and applications to perform their administrative tasks, using digital marketing to promote their services.

Technology in Agriculture:

Today, farmers work very differently than they would have decades ago. Data analytics and robotics have built a productive food system. Digital innovations are being used for plant breeding and harvesting equipment. Software and mobile devices are helping farmers harvest better. With various data and information available to farmers, they can make better-informed decisions, for example, tracking the amount of carbon stored in soil and helping with climate change.

Disadvantages of Technology:

People have become dependent on various gadgets and machines, resulting in a lack of physical activity and tempting people to lead an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Even though technology has increased the productivity of individuals, organisations, and the nation, it has not increased the efficiency of machines. Machines cannot plan and think beyond the instructions that are fed into their system. Technology alone is not enough for progress and prosperity. Management is required, and management is a human act. Technology is largely dependent on human intervention. 

Computers and smartphones have led to an increase in social isolation. Young children are spending more time surfing the internet, playing games, and ignoring their real lives. Usage of technology is also resulting in job losses and distracting students from learning. Technology has been a reason for the production of weapons of destruction.

Dependency on technology is also increasing privacy concerns and cyber crimes, giving way to hackers.

FAQs on Technology Essay

1. What is technology?

Technology refers to innovative ways of doing work through various smart means. The advancement of technology has played an important role in the development of human civilization. It has helped in improving the productivity of individuals and businesses.

2. How has technology changed the face of banking?

Technology has made banking operations very sophisticated. With the emergence of Internet banking, self-service tools have replaced the traditional methods of banking. You can now access your money, handle transactions, and monitor your bank statements anytime and from anywhere in the world. Technology has made banking more secure and safe.

3. How has technology brought a revolution in the medical field?

Patients and doctors keep each other up to date on the most recent medical discoveries, share treatment information, and offer each other support when dealing with medical issues. It has allowed much faster access to the medical records of each patient. Modern technology has allowed us to contact doctors from the comfort of our homes. There are many websites and mobile apps through which we can contact doctors and get medical help.

4. Are we dependent on technology?

Yes, today, we are becoming increasingly dependent on technology. Computers, smartphones, and modern technology have helped humanity achieve success and progress. However, in hindsight, people need to continuously build a healthy lifestyle, sorting out personal problems that arise due to technological advancements in different aspects of human life.

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Introduction Paragraph for Technology Essay: Effective Guide

Table of Contents

The introduction is an integral part of any essay and an excellent opportunity to impact your reader. It sets the tone for the argument and gives the reader an insight into the topic. A good  introduction of essay about technology  comprises three main parts.

The hook grabs the reader’s attention and encourages them to read on. Background presents more details on the topic, and the thesis statement summarizes the essay’s central focus. 

The introduction can be challenging to write, but with some guidance, anyone can master the art of writing a compelling introduction. This guide discusses how to write an effective introductory paragraph for a technology essay.

What is A Technology Essay?

Technology has a significant impact on our society. Its numerous benefits have become a vital part of our life. It has improved and is still improving the efficiency of medicine, transportation, education, entertainment, and more. Technology also impacts social interaction; you can easily find lost friends on social networks. 

A technology essay discusses a technological phenomenon or technological advancement. It could also discuss a personal experience related to a technological issue. Depending on your professor’s instructions, a technology essay could be argumentative, informative, persuasive, or otherwise.

How to Write An Introduction Paragraph For Technology Essay

Like other essays, a technology essay comprises three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction provides the reader with an overview of the argument you’ll develop in the body of your essay.

Body of the paper is where you discuss the details of the argument. The conclusion represents the logical ending you reach regarding the idea presented in the essay’s body.

The introduction paragraph of a technology essay should provide context for the technological trends you address and the argument you develop. It should include a hook that will pull the reader in and keep him/her interested.

Here’s how to write a good introduction paragraph .

1. Hook the reader

The essay’s opening sentence sets the tone for the entire piece; it should intrigue the readers and pull them in. Begin with a hook that will grab the reader’s attention, hold their interest and make them want to read the rest of your work.

The hook should be exciting and lead the reader into the essay, giving them an idea of the topic you’re writing about. It should also be clear, catchy, and concise and spark the reader’s curiosity. Here’s how you can grab the attention of your audience.

• Present a shocking statistic or fact.
• Offer an anecdote or a relevant example.
• Ask a thoughtful rhetorical question.

2. Create Context and Provide Background

Now that you have the reader’s attention, provide details on your topic. The next two to three sentences you make should explain how the hook connects to the rest of the essay.

Provide necessary background information to help the readers better understand your argument and the points you intend to make. If you include key terms that may be wrongly interpreted, let your readers know what the term means in your essay.

3. Present Your Thesis

A thesis is the pivot point of your paper, and the single most important idea that you convey in your work. Present the main points you intend to make throughout your essay.

Provide your readers with a roadmap of what you’ll cover in the rest of the paper to support your thesis statement. The last sentence of your introduction should allow smooth transition into the body of the essay.

Introduction of Essay About Technology

Technology has made our lives more comfortable. The products we use, our lifestyle, and our society are products of technology. Without technological advancements, the world would be different and most likely unrecognizable to us. Today, technology extends to every part of our life. Experts, business entrepreneurs, and non-professionals use technology to expand their livelihoods. However, with the good comes bad. Technology, quite frankly, harms society. Pollution, cybercrime, and war are only a few of the effects of technology on society. But does the good outweigh the bad? 

Technology has impacted modern life immensely. It has drastically changed our world. We now travel in planes and cars and have better health facilities and education. We also have ways to communicate with people worldwide in seconds. However, these increased levels of technology did not come about by accident. It resulted from planned and systematic research by a group of people. 

Technology is giving us a new shape. We’ve made more progress in the last 200 years than in the previous 20000 years. Earth has become a global village where most countries and people can connect through the internet, but it has some deadly consequences. Many countries have nuclear weapons, global warming and growing Co2 emissions threaten the existence of the whole population.

With the advent of technology, we are making such amazing developments that couldn’t even be imagined 100 or 200 years ago. We’ve found cures for deadly diseases, we’re constantly working on education, and most people have freedom to express themselves. Science has made huge leaps, but at the same time new diseases, deadlier than before, kill millions of people every year.

Technology is the application of information for building and developing devices and equipment that can be used in diverse ways. We live a very active day-to-day life with technology today. While technology has done a lot to make life easier for everyone, it has also had a few adverse effects that can’t be ignored. Here’s a look at how technology has affected our lives and how we can balance it to overcome it.

Example 6 

Technology has changed society drastically. Before modern technology came along, life was too hard, and everyday chores took up a lot of time. We’re getting many opportunities out of technologies that play a significant role in our lives. Access to medicine, education, industry, and transportation is easier. Our lives have changed dramatically. 

A technology essay can be tricky to write, but a good essay introduction paragraph is key to the successful execution of your topic .

The introduction to a technology essay must be clear, concise, and persuasive to draw the reader in. It should establish the topic and provide as much detail as possible to help readers understand and empathize with the topic. This guide on introduction of essay about technology would help you write a gripping essay introduction.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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What It Was Like to Live Without Today's Technologies We Totally Take for Granted

We had actual encyclopedias instead of Wikipedia.

It's hard to imagine life before technology . What if you had to get  through a day without the internet ? What about going on a road trip without Google Maps? Or getting gifts in a pinch without Amazon? That all probably sounds nearly impossible these days. But not only did we do it a few decades ago, some of us even miss those simpler times. We managed to get just as much accomplished, but we just did it a little differently. 

Today's modern conveniences are easy to take for granted, but it's important to look back on just how far we've come. "There's a great saying that if we don't know where we come from, how can we know where we are going?" says Francine Cefola, co-author of the new book Tell It To the Future . "I am a firm believer that we learn from the past, and if we ignore things we can't conceptualize because it seems too archaic or slow or unproductive, we miss understanding how we got to where we are today."

In case you don't remember life before technology took over and made everything "easier," here's a glimpse of how different the world was in the 20th century.  And for more on how far we've come,  This Is What Dating Looked Like More Than 50 Years Ago .

1 Before GPS, we used atlases to get us around.

Anyone who took numerous road trips in the 20th century didn't have Google Maps handy. Instead, we had to take our atlases along for the ride.  Spiral-bound and just over 160 pages, these atlases contained highway and road information on all 50 states. But navigating from point A to point B was still tricky. And because the atlases were only updated once a year, the information wasn't always accurate.

Peter Dalbis, 76, of Oak Park, Illinois, remembers being on the open road, guided only by his not-always-trusty Rand McNally road atlas. "Sometimes there were missing roads," Dalbis said. "Or a road on the map that didn't technically exist. But we'd figure it out. You can't be complacent with an atlas, not like those people who put all their trust in a GPS . We never drove a car into a swamp because our Rand McNally told us to, I'll tell you that much."

If an atlas was ever lacking important travel information, Dalbis says he'd pull into a visitor's center. "They'd know the exact change you needed for tolls, and if there was any construction ahead we needed to worry about," he said. "After a long day on the road, it could just be nice to hear another human voice. Plus, they had maps, too. Free maps!" 

2 Before e-mail or texting, we wrote letters.

If you wanted to send a message to someone without actually talking to them before the 2000s, you had to write them a letter. Yes, a letter—by hand, with paper and a pen or pencil. And  then  you had to go to the nearest post office to buy stamps.

The messages involved a little more effort and many people feel like it was a healthier way of communicating. "Letters have always been a nice way to show someone when they are gone that you're thinking about them," Mike Stouffer, of Wausau, Wisconsin, told CNN , referring to the notes he'd send to his wife Bobbi in the early 1990s. "They helped our relationship develop in a big way." 

Floridian Uf Tukel told CNN: "E-mail can never replace the excitement and thrill of receiving and opening a personal letter." 

3 Before Wi-Fi, we used a phone line to connect to the internet.

Long before Wi-Fi was a reality, the only way to go online was with dial-up internet access. Margaret Weiss , a life and finance coach in New Jersey, reminisced on Quora  about the early days of the internet. "[You'd need] a regular landline, which you would then pluck out of the wall socket, and connect the cord to your machine," she wrote. You'd also need a monthly internet subscription. And in 1998, it would cost you  $21.95 a month for an unlimited connection to AOL.

Christopher Burke, a software developer from Seattle, wrote on Quora  about the hassles of the dial-up internet days. "If you have only one phone line, you have to make sure nobody else in the house picks up the phone to dial while you're connected to the internet, or your connection will 'drop' and you'll have to dial in again," he recalled.

"Some cities had only one or two dial-up numbers, each connected to a switching system and a bank of maybe 10 or 100 modems. So during busy times of day, you might not be able to connect to the internet at all because all of the modems were in use by other users." And everyone remembers the noise you'd hear as you dialed in.

4 Before digital cameras, we'd wait a week for film to develop.

Florida resident Barbara Lichtenwalter's entry into photography was with a Beseler Topcon Automatic 100 film camera. (The original user's manual is 60 pages long and contains detailed instructions on everything from shutter speed, to depth of field distance charts, to the 11-step process to load the camera.) "It took me weeks to learn how to take a decent photo ," she said.

And with film, seeing what you photographed was anything but immediate. "You mailed away the film or took it to a film developer and you'd get it back in about a week. Then you'd see if you had anything in focus or the right colors," she explained.

That said, even back in the day, you could still take a "selfie" of sorts, as long as you were fast and your camera came equipped with a timer. "You could prop [the camera] up and run to where it was aimed and a week later you'd find out if you were actually in the photo ," Lichtenwalter said.

5 Before Venmo, we'd use cash or a check to pay friends.

Getting money to a friend or family member in the days before Venmo invariably required face-to-face contact. "If you owed somebody 20 bucks, you had to get the physical currency—either from an ATM or by walking into your bank's branch and requesting a withdrawal from one of the tellers," explained Chad S. of Portland, Oregon. "And then you had to bring that cash to the person you owed it to and hand it directly to them."

Or you could use a check. But that was, as Chad said, "a whole thing." "I paid a lot of debts by handing people a personal check. But it doesn't have the immediacy of cash," he explained. "They have to bring that check to their bank, sign the back of it, and fill out a deposit form, and then wait up to three days, and sometimes much longer, for the money to clear in their account."

Things were considerably more difficult if you lived in a different city than the person you were trying to send money to. "You could mail them a check," he said. "You could also mail them cash, which my grandparents sometimes did, but that was always dangerous. I remember my parents telling me, 'If you're going to mail cash, make sure it isn't visible through the envelope.' So we'd wrap cash in paper or a greeting card or something to conceal it." And then, again, there was a wait involved. "A letter could take several days to get to somebody," Chad said. "And sometimes weeks." 

6 Before e-cigarettes, smoking was a very different experience.

It wasn't too long ago that e-cigarettes and vaping didn't exist, but things have changed so quickly.  On Quora , Kevin Bryant, a Brit who quit smoking after 25 years, reminisced about his  favorite part of smoking cigarettes: "the satisfaction of unwrapping a new pack." He went on: "The crinkling of the surrounding wrap, the smell of the fresh tobacco—the odour [ sic ] of adulthood, of choice, of freedom, of relaxation."

Bryant also wrote about the context in which he smoked (i.e., indoors), which was largely allowed in major U.S. cities until the 2000s. He recalled heading to a pub and getting "a pint of warmish British beer, chatting about the serious and trivial in the smoky atmosphere with the jukebox blaring in the corner."

7 Before iCloud storage, we printed out everything .

Even when personal computers became the norm in the mid to late 1990s, we still didn't entirely trust technology to keep our files safe and secure. So if there was an important document you absolutely needed access to, you'd print it out on paper.

On Quora , Arizona resident Tom Crosley recalled his father's office being "taken up by filing cabinets." He added that his dad  "also had a walk-in safe, similar to the ones found in banks, and it was filled with more filing cabinets. The safe was not there because of a theft worry, but because it was fireproof."  Crosley's father employed an entire staff of filing clerks whose sole job was to "retrieve, file, and update records kept in this cabinets." 

8 Before Netflix, we had to leave our houses to see movies.

Seeing the hottest new movie during the 20th century wasn't as easy as streaming it on your smartphone or adding it to your Netflix queue .

"You had to go to a theater," explained Adam Cole from Atlanta. If you didn't catch a film during its original run, you'd have to wait for it to air on TV "in an edited form with commercial interruptions," Cole pointed out. That would take months… or even years!

For example,  Star Wars , which was originally released on May 25, 1977, wasn't available for pay-per-view subscribers until 1982, and it didn't come to HBO until 1983. That's a six-year wait! "Theater was really the only way to actually see a movie the way it was meant to be seen," Cole said. "I stood in line for two hours to get a ticket to The Empire Strikes Back , and then stood in another line for an hour and a half to get into the theater." 

9 Before DVRs, On Demand, or streaming services, we had to watch our favorites shows live.

As recent as the mid-'00s, if you weren't available to watch your favorite TV show live, you were out of luck. There was no Hulu or On Demand service to catch it on the next day.

Your only choice in the '80s and '90s was to try to record the episode you knew you'd be missing via your VCR. But even that wasn't a surefire success. As one commenter explained on MetaFilter , "The VCR didn't have its own tuner, and needed the cable box, and there was no communication between the devices," he wrote. As a result, "you would have to set the channel on the cable box and then the timer on the VCR. Mess either up, and you miss your show." Anyone born before 1990 probably remembers that gut-wrenching feeling of  90210  not recording, or learning your parents had taped over your favorite episode while trying to record  NYPD Blue .

10 Before tablets, we played car games all together.

Keeping a kid entertained during a road trip involved a bit more creativity decades ago than just handing them a tablet. "When I was younger, we would play number car games with our parents ," said Illinois native Christopher Trifilio. "My father would think of a number between one to 100 and we would guess. He would say 'higher' or 'lower' until we got it right."

"When we took plane trips, we always brought books and a whole backpack full of coloring books, crayons, and colored pencils. It was fun to be creative," Trifilio remembered. "Each of us would try to demonstrate we were the best at coloring. Then we'd draw pictures of each other, which usually resulted in a lot of laughs since none of us were artists."

The short of it is, kids had to entertain themselves. "I remember spending all of my time looking out the large windows of our car to see what I could see," remembered Laura Warfel of Chicago. "If we happened to be driving at night, I would boost myself up so that I could look up at the moon and stars."

11 Before Kindles, we had to go to the library.

There was also no reading during a car or plane trip unless you remembered to pack a physical book. And if you didn't own one, you had to head to the library.  "Books came in all sizes and you could borrow them from a library," remembered Cefola. But fi nding that perfect book required an understanding of how they were arranged in a library. "Library books were arranged by the Dewey Decimal System—a system of numbering to put books in their respective genre," Cefora explained.

Chris Coleman, a librarian based in Thousand Oaks, California, provided the following  explanation on Quora .  " For every single piece in the collection, a paper card is typed up with the item information. … For a patron to locate an item, they look at the files and sort through the cards," he noted. " When a patron finds a card matching the selection they want, they can use it to locate the item in the collection. They then bring both the card and the item to the circulation desk, where they take the card and place it in a dated file, insert a dated due-date card, and return the item to the patron."

Clearly, the Kindle was just the stuff of science fiction in those days.

12 Before fitness trackers, we never thought about our heart rates.

Tracking your fitness in the 20th century was far less precise than we've become accustomed to today. "The only time I ever tracked my fitness was at the gym," recalled New Yorker Ron S. "That's the only time I even wondered how many steps I was taking or anything like that. And my heart rate , gosh, I don't think I ever thought about it. That's something your doctor checked during an annual exam. It's not something you monitored every day. That would have been crazy to us."

Cefola said that most of the people she knew during those pre- fitness tracker days "weren't as dedicated to exercise. It was a weight-loss tool rather than healthy living . There were private gyms that you could belong to and use their equipment, like Jack LaLanne or Vic Tanny's, or you could buy a small set of dumbbells for home use. But walking and home exercise were for 'health nuts' and bodybuilders." 

13 Before "wick-away" fabrics, we didn't understand clothing could have "a cooling system."

A New York Times story on " space age clothing " from 1983 included a headband made with a "lightweight insulating material and a special cooling gel" that could "lower the temperature on a forehead by 30 degrees and thereby help reduce perspiration loss and the discomfort of strenuous exercise ."

14 Before Instagram, fashion inspo came from stores themselves.

"We learned what was the cool new thing to wear by reading fashion magazines or watching music videos," said Heather G. of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "But probably the most immediate way we learned about what was fashionable was the department stores."

Major chains like Hudson's, Marshall Field's, Macy's, T.J.Maxx, JCPenney, and Montgomery Ward didn't just provide the latest clothing brands, they also served as style gurus. "My daughter laughs at this, but I really did make a lot of my fashion choices based on what the mannequins at Montgomery Ward were wearing," Heather said. "The store put a lot of effort into creating these dioramas. The mannequins would be interacting, so it was easy to fantasize that this was what your life could look like. It really was the Instagram of its time ."

Some people, like Warfel, had a more personal relationship with their local clothing stores . "My mom would take my sister and me into a store, and we would know the sales ladies by name," she said. "The sales lady brought us different sizes and also other outfits that she suggested for us to try on. We relied on certain name brands for quality and style, and sometimes for social status."

15 Before FaceTime, we sent each other voice and video recordings.

If you wanted to stay in touch with loved ones who didn't live close by in the 20th century, and a phone call didn't have the intimacy you wanted, there was no FaceTime to solve your problem. But there were other ways to feel connected to those living far away.

"I remember when I was in high school, we would record messages of us singing in tape recorders and send those small cassette tapes by mail to my brother and aunt, who lived abroad," remembered Marita, who lives in Winnipeg, Canada. "They said they felt happier and their longing for family was eased with our letters and recorded messages and songs."

16 Before Skype and WhatAapp, we cared about the cost of long-distance calls.

Phone call fees were often based on distance—the closer you lived to the person you were contacting, the cheaper the call.  "The first minute was always the most expensive," one blogger recalled on Flashbak . "Long distance rates were so steep that you could fill your tank up with gas for the price of talking on the phone for an hour."

The other factor was the time of day. Calls were cheaper on weekends and late at night. " In most homes, long distance was forbidden except on weekends," the blogger wrote. "If you absolutely had to call on a weekday, it would have to be late in the evening and you'd have to make it super quick. … I recall having to wait until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday night to call relatives, and the bill typically added up to $17 for an hour, which was a lot of money back then!"

17 Before e-ticketing, we had to buy event tickets at a box office or via a lottery system.

Today, we all know how frustrating it can be to wait for your digital spot in line when tickets go on sale for your favorite artist's tour. But just a few decades ago, it was an entirely different experience. You had to go to an actual  retailer, like a record store or a venue's box office, to get tickets.  Scott Hudson, a music critic in Sioux Falls, South Dakota,  wrote  about desperately wanting to see Bruce Springsteen in the 1980s in Lincoln, Nebraska. "The day before [tickets] went on sale, a buddy and I made the four-hour journey and discovered we were (approximately) number 1,800 in line," he noted. 

The box office opened at 10 a.m. and even with "10 or so clerks selling tickets," they still didn't make it to the front of the line until around 6 p.m. That's because " you'd point to a spot on the venue floor plan, and [the clerks] would go see if there were any tickets in that section. You'd repeat this process until you found open seats you were willing to live with. They weren't even updating these sheets to show what areas were sold out."  The only other ticketing option was even riskier.  "Giant tours generally utilized a mail order lottery system," Hudson explained. "You'd send in a money order and return envelope, and every day you'd wait by the mailbox to see if you made the cut."

18 Before drones, aerial photography was no easy feat.

As cinematographer Royce Allen Dudley explained on Quora , aerial photography used to be achieved with helicopters and occasionally fixed-wing aircrafts . "In some instances, the camera was nose- or side-mounted inside a transparent aerodynamic sphere, gimballed, and controlled remotely by joysticks from the passenger seat," Dudley wrote. "Most good camera pilots are/were veteran combat pilots. Their finesse at the helm to put the lens where [necessary] was awesome." 

The process wasn't just difficult, but dangerous as well. There was a high mortality rate for aerial film crews, Dudley noted. In fact, it was "maybe the most dangerous job in cinema, other than those of the stunt brothers and sisters."

19 Before Wikipedia, we'd invest in a set of encyclopedias.

Any family in the 20th century that wanted 'round-the-clock access to tons of information couldn't simply hop on the internet. As an  Orlando Sentinel  reporter  e xplained in the late '80s, families would invest in a huge set of encyclopedias that were "hardback volumes with gold-lettered bindings and pseudo-Greek titles, such as Encyclopedia Britannica and Encyclopedia Americana." And they weren't cheap. The price ranged between $300 to $1,500.  There were even door-to-door salesmen who used "high-pressure sales tactics" to hawk costly encyclopedias.

During dinnertime arguments, Karen from Montana remembers using her family's encyclopedias to solve problems " like, 'Do bananas grow up or down?'" "We'd discuss the problem, someone would then decide to solve the issue by dashing for the encyclopedias, and guessing if the answer would be under B for banana or F for fruits," she recalled. Just flipping through an encyclopedia would "introduce us to other topics of conversation, and away we would go down the rabbit hole of learning… together." 

20 Before Amazon, we'd get our basics at the dime store.

Before you had every single item imaginable at your fingertips and needed a random knick-knack, you headed to the local dime store. "The dime store was once an innovative concept in retailing. Shoppers could find a variety of everyday goods at low prices. Stationery, sewing notions, toys, health and beauty aids, dishes and some apparel remain the staples of the variety store," wrote an  L.A. Times  reporter in 1988.

"If somebody really wants a purple zipper, he can go to his dime store,"Marvin A. Smith Sr., executive vice president of the National Assn. of Variety Stores, said at the time. "And if he doesn't have it, he will order it for you." On top of that, dime stores served grilled cheese and malt milkshakes. Can Amazon do that?  And for some special online finds, check out the  27 Gorgeous Handmade Items You Can Buy on Amazon .

21 Before social media, you had to work harder to maintain relationships.

Maintaining your social circle required a bit more effort for past generations. In the 20th century, "you had to call someone on the phone and then make plans to meet them," recalled Cole. And if you missed the call, that person could eventually fall out of your life, for better or for worse.  John P. from St. Louis added, "You could go years, decades even, without ever hearing from your old high school friends or a distant cousin that lived six states away or all your ex-girlfriends. You had no obligation to interact with any of them. It was amazing."

And if there was information you wanted someone to hear, you had to say it to them directly or pass it along via a third party. "If there was a meeting or a reunion, you'd just tell two or three people and let them pass the news verbally," remembered Marita. "Or we'd go from house to house to let people know the meeting time and place. It was a personal thing. We communicated face to face."

Even when the internet was introduced in the 1990s, social media didn't work like it does today. "When I was a kid, we also had Bulletin Board Systems, which were the ancestor of the internet," said Cole. "You'd call a computer with your computer, connect up, and leave a message on a computer board that everyone could read. This was a great way to have group chats ." And for more on social media communication at its worst, check out the  30 Lies Everyone Tells on Social Media .

To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life,  click here  to follow us on Instagram!

20 Technologies You Never See Anymore

23 Awesome Tech Gifts You Must Have

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20 Types of Artificial Intelligence You Use Every Single Day And Don't Know It

25 Crazy Predictions About the Next 25 Years

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Copyright 2024 Galvanized Media . All Rights Reserved. Best Life is part of the Dotdash Meredith Publishing Family.

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Kate Billingsley

introduction

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. Technology is a tool that can be used to solve real-world problems. The field of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) “seeks to promote cross-disciplinary integration, civic engagement, and critical thinking” of concepts in the worlds of science and technology ( Harvard University, n.d.). As an aspect of everyday life, technology is continuously evolving to ensure that humanity can be productive, efficient, and follow the path of globalization . STS is a concept that encompasses countless fields of study. “Scientists, engineers, and medical professionals swim (as they must) in the details of their technical work: experiments, inventions, treatments and cures. “promotes cross-disciplinary integration, civic engagement, and critical thinking” It’s an intense and necessary focus” ( Stanford University , n.d.). On the opposite side of the spectrum is STS, which “draws attention to the water: the social, political, legal, economic, and cultural environment that shapes research and invention, supports or inhibits it — and is in turn shaped by evolving science and technology” ( Stanford University , n.d.). Technology is a crucial part of life that is constantly developing to fit the changing needs of society and aiding humanity in simplifying the demands of everyday life.

According to Oberdan (2010), science and technology share identical goals. “At first glance, they seem to provide a deep and thorough going division between the two but, as the discussion progresses, it will become clear that there are, indeed, areas of overlap, too” (Oberdan, 25). Philosophers believe that for a claim to be considered knowledge, it must first be justified, like a hypothesis, and true.  Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer, Galileo Galilei , was incredibly familiar with the obstacles involved with proving something to be a fact or a theory within the scientific world. Galileo was condemned by the Roman Catholic church for his beliefs that contradicted existing church doctrine (Coyne, 2013). Galileo’s discoveries, although denounced by the church were incredibly innovative and progressive for their time, and are still seen as the basis for modern astronomy today. Nearly 300 years later, Galileo was eventually forgiven by the church, and to this day he is seen as one of the most well known and influential astronomers of all time. Many new innovations and ideas often receive push back before becoming revolutionary and universal practices.

INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY

Flash forward to modern time where we can see that innovation is happening even more around us. Look no further than what could be considered the culmination of modern technological innovation: the mobile phone. Cell phone technology has developed exponentially since the invention of the first mobile phone in 1973 ( Seward , 2013). Although there was a period for roughly 20 years in which cell phones were seen as unnecessary and somewhat impractical, as society’s needs changed and developed in the late 1990s, there was a large spike in consumer purchases of mobile phones. Now, cell phones are an entity that can be seen virtually anywhere, which is in large part due to their practicality. Cell phones, specifically smartphones such as Apple’s iPhone , have changed the way society uses technology. Smartphone technology has eliminated the need for people to have a separate cell phone, MP3 player, GPS, mobile video gaming systems, and more. Consumers may fail to realize how many aspects of modern technological advancement are involved in the use of their mobile phones. Cell phones use wifi to browse the internet, use google, access social media, and more. Although these technologies are beneficial, they also allow consumers locations to be traced and phone conversations to be recorded. Modern cell phone technologies collect data on consumers, and many people are unsure how this information is being used. Additionally, mobile phones come equipped with virus protection which brings the field of cybersecurity into smartphone usage. The technological advances that have been made in the market for mobile phones have been targeted towards the changing needs of consumers and society. As proven by the rise in cell phones, with advancements in the field of STS comes new unforeseen obstacles and ethical dilemmas.

​Technology is changing the way we live in this world. Innovations in the scientific world are becoming increasingly more advanced to help conserve earth’s resources and aid in the reduction of pollutants . Transportation is a field that has changed greatly in recent years due to modernization in science and technology, as well as an increased awareness of environmental concerns. The transportation industry continues to be a large producer of pollution

due to emissions from cars, trains, and other modes of transportation. As a result, cars have changed a great deal in recent years. A frontrunner in creating environmentally friendly luxury cars is Tesla, lead by CEO Elon Musk. Although nearly every brand of car has an electric option that either runs completely gas free, or uses significantly less fuel than standard cars, Tesla has taken this one step further and created a zero emissions vehicle. However, some believe that Tesla has taken their innovations in the transportation market a bit too far, specifically with their release of driverless cars.

“The recent reset of expectations on driverless cars is a leading indicator for other types of AI-enabled systems as well,” says David A. Mindell,  professor of aeronautics and astronautics, and the Dibner Professor of the History of Engineering and Manufacturing at MIT. “These technologies hold great promise, but it takes time to understand the optimal combination of people and machines. And the timing of adoption is crucial for understanding the impact on workers” ( Dizikes , 2019).

As the earth becomes more and more polluted, consumers are seeking to find new ways to cut down on their negative impacts on the earth. Eco-friendly cars are a simple yet effective way in which consumers can cut back on their pollution within their everyday lives.

THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The way in which energy is generated has changed greatly to benefit consumers and the environment. Energy production has followed a rather linear path over time, and is a prime example of how new innovations stem from old technologies. In the early 1800s, the steam engine acted as the main form of creating energy. It wasn’t until the mid-late 1800s that the combustion engine was invented. This invention was beneficial because it was more efficient than its predecessor, and became a form of energy that was streamlined to be used in countless applications. As time has progressed, this linear path of innovation has continued. As new energy creating technologies have emerged, machinery that was once seen as efficient and effective have been phased out. Today, largely due to the increased demand for clean energy sources, the linear path has split and consumers are faced with numerous options for clean, environmentally friendly energy sources. Over time, scientists and engineers have come to realize that these forms of energy pollute and damage the earth. Solar power, a modern form of clean energy, was once seen as an expensive and impractical way of turning the sun’s energy into usable energy. Now, it is common to see newly built homes with solar panels already built in. Since technology develops to fit the needs of society, scientists have worked to improve solar panels to make them cheaper and easier to access. A total of 173,000 terawatts (trillions of watts) of solar energy strikes the Earth continuously, which is more than 10,000 times of the world’s total energy use ( Chandler , 2011). This information may seem staggering, but is crucial in understanding the importance, as well as the large influence that modern forms of energy can have on society.

Technology has become a crucial part of our society. Without technological advancements, so much of our everyday lives would be drastically different. As technology develops, it strives to fulfill the changing needs of society. Technology progresses as society evolves. That being said, progress comes at a price. This price is different for each person, and varies based on how much people value technological and scientific advancements in their own lives. Thomas Parke Hughes’s Networks of Power “compared how electric power systems developed in America, England, and Germany, showing that they required not only electrical but social ‘engineering’ to create the necessary legal frameworks, financing, standards, political support, and organizational designs” ( Stanford University ). In other words, the scientific invention and production of a new technology does not ensure its success. Technology’s success is highly dependent on society’s acceptance or rejection of a product, as well as whether or not any path dependence is involved. Changing technologies benefit consumers in countless aspects of their lives including in the workforce, in communications, in the use of natural resources, and so much more. These innovations across numerous different markets aid society by making it easier to complete certain tasks. Innovation will never end; rather, it will continue to develop at increasing rates as science and technological fields becomes more and more cutting edge.

Chapter Questions

• True or False: Improvements in science and technology always benefit society
• Multiple Choice : Technology is: A.   The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry B.  Tools and machines that may be used to solve real-world problems C.   Something that does not change D.   Both A and B
• Short Answer: Discuss ways in which technological progression over time is related and how this relationship has led to the creation of new innovation.

Chandler, D. (2011). Shining brightly: Vast amounts of solar energy radiate to the Earth constantly, but tapping that energy cost-effectively remains a challenge.  MIT News. http://news.mit.edu/2011/energy-scale-part3-1026 

Coyne, SJ, G. V. (2013). Science meets biblical exegesis in the Galileo affair.  Zygon® ,  48 (1), 221-229. https://doi-org.libproxy.clemson.edu/10.1111/j.1467-9744.2012.01324.x 

Dizikes, P., & MIT News Office. (2019). MIT report examines how to make technology work for society. http://news.mit.edu/2019/work-future-report-technology-jobs-society-0904

Florez, D., García-Duque, C. E., & Osorio, J. C. (2019). Is technology (still) applied science? Technology in Society.  Technology in Society, 59.   doi: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2019.101193

Groce, J. E., Farrelly, M. A., Jorgensen, B. S., & Cook, C. N. (2019). Using social‐network research to improve outcomes in natural resource management. Conservation biology , 33 (1), 53-65. https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/cobi.13127

Harvard University. (n.d.) What is STS? .  http://sts.hks.harvard.edu/about/whatissts.html .

Union of Concerned Scientists. (2018). How Do Battery Electric Cars Work?   https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/electric-vehicles/how-do-battery-electric-cars-work .

Oberdan, T. (2010). Science, Technology, and the Texture of Our Lives. Tavenner Publishing Company.

Seward, Z. M. (2013). The First Mobile Phone Call Was Made 40 Years Ago Today . The Atlantic.   https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/04/the-first- mobile-phone-call-was-made-40-years-ago-today/274611/ .

Stanford University. (n.d.). What is the Study of STS? . https://sts.stanford.edu/about/what-study-sts .

Wei, R., & Lo, V.-H. (2006). Staying connected while on the move: Cell phone use and social connectedness. New Media & Society, 8 (1), 53–72. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444806059870

Winston, B. (2006). Media Technology and Society: A History From the Telegraph to the Internet . London: Routledge.

Images & Videos

“Tesla Model 3 Monaco” is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Building bridges between science and society for a better future. | Nadine Bongaerts | TEDxSaclay

“Tesla Model 3 Monaco”  is licensed under  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

To the extent possible under law, Kate Billingsley has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to Science, Technology, & Society: A Student-Led Exploration , except where otherwise noted.

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Ny pension fund bought $75m crowdstrike stake just before global it meltdown — faces loss of nearly $30m.

A New York state pension fund is facing nearly $30 million in losses after amassing a stake in CrowdStrike — just before the IT firm caused a global network meltdown that sent the company’s stock into a tailspin.

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A spokesperson for the NYSTRS said the fund “does not comment on individual stock holdings.”

CrowdStrike has been under fire since a faulty software update crashed more than 8 million computers using Microsoft Windows. The crisis grounded flights, forced banking systems offline and brought office computer systems to a shuddering halt.

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This Is a Picture of the Last Thing Seen by NASA’s Asteroid Hunter

NEOWISE, a spacecraft that studied faraway cosmic objects before shifting its focus closer to home, has reached the end of its life. But its legacy lives on.

By Katrina Miller

On Thursday, scientists and engineers in Southern California got an exclusive glimpse at a recent snapshot of Fornax, a constellation of stars in the Southern Hemisphere.

The image itself is not particularly exciting, at least not to the untrained eye. But to those gathered, the image represented the last light of NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or NEOWISE, a telescope orbiting the Earth that spent more than a decade scrutinizing the skies for any asteroids and comets that could one day pose a threat to our planet. At the end of last month, the spacecraft’s survey concluded, and it closed its telescopic eyes for the final time.

“This was the little space telescope that could,” said Amy Mainzer, an astronomer at the University of California, Los Angeles, and principal investigator for NEOWISE. “We were really lucky to get to do this work.”

When the mission was launched in 2009, it was known simply as WISE. It spent the next year peering at faraway objects in the universe radiating infrared light, including supermassive black holes, brown dwarfs, dying stars and one of the most luminous galaxies in the cosmos .

WISE was never meant to study objects closer to Earth, but during its cosmic scans, scientists realized “it was pretty good at looking at asteroids, too,” Dr. Mainzer said. On one scan, WISE discovered the first asteroid to share an orbit with Earth, known as a Trojan . It also serendipitously observed a space rock named Dinkinesh, gathering data that came in handy years later on a recent NASA flyby of the object .

After its original survey, Dr. Mainzer and her colleagues successfully proposed that NASA extend the mission for a few months, with a focus on asteroid detection. Rebranded as NEOWISE, the spacecraft observed the solar system’s main asteroid belt until the space agency put its systems into hibernation in 2011.

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