Technology is the application of knowledge to a particular endeavor. It can also refer to the product of such endeavor. It is prevalent in many fields and everyday life. This definition shows the impact of technology in various aspects of our lives. It can be found in everything from the construction of our houses to the development of a new computer program.
Technology can be a positive force in society. It can inspire innovation and help people live better lives. However, the impact of technology on society must be considered. While most innovations are spread through free-market forces, some technologies can result in issues that require formal regulation. For example, a person, business, or group can propose a new technology and cause a public debate about its impact. In addition, the use of new technology affects people’s jobs and the environment.
Some critics of technology see it as a threat to human freedom. In the twentieth century, writers such as Aldous Huxley and Anthony Burgess argued that technology should not be used for destructive purposes. In other literature, Faust by Goethe was interpreted as a metaphor for industrial technology. In addition, Theodore Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber, wrote a book called Industrial Society and Its Future to denounce the effects of technology.
In the past, technology has greatly influenced human culture and evolution. Scientific advances in agriculture, medicine, and the development of weapons such as gunpowder, bows and arrows, and other tools have changed human life. Other innovations in technology have included the development of the Internet and communication technology. In addition, technological innovations have led to new subcultures such as cyberculture. Technology has also caused war and political oppression.