Technology is the application of knowledge to create artifacts and processes that are useful to human beings. Its applications are numerous and range across a variety of fields, including science, medicine, industry, communication, transportation, and everyday life. Let’s discuss some of the most important types of technologies and how they affect society.
Instrumental definition of technology
The instrumental definition of technology is a broader approach to technology that takes into account human activities. It implies that human actions are designed to advance goals and overcome challenges. This approach draws on the full range of human creativity and values to shape the means used to accomplish a goal. The resulting definition is rich and meaningful, while still being relevant to the specific needs of technology.
Heidegger criticized the conventional, unexamined definition of technology. In modern society, technology is seen as a tool to achieve an end, a human activity. Heidegger called this the “instrumental definition of technology.”
Intervening power of technology
Throughout history, the interfering power of technology has been weaponized by power structures to target vulnerable communities. For example, the New York City Lantern Law of 1713 required Black and Indigenous people to carry a lit candle at night. Despite its disproportionate benefits to white citizens, the lantern law weaponized technology against Black and Indigenous communities.
Semi-Radical, Incremental and Disruptive technologies
The term “disruptive innovation” is often used to describe innovations that change markets and products. Examples of disruptive innovation include innovations such as smaller, cheaper hard drives. Other examples include the development of new kinds of hand-held computers or the emergence of home entertainment systems such as Netflix.
Disruptive technologies are those that create a new market niche and provide products and services that break existing business models and supply chains. These types of innovations are sometimes used to replace outdated or under-performing traditional products or services. Incremental technologies are those that improve existing technology and address changing customer needs.
Impact of technology on society
The term “impact of technology on society” refers to the mutual interdependence of technology and society. They are co-dependent, co-influencing, and co-producing. This relationship has been evident since humanity began using simple tools. Several studies have identified this synergy. One such study, called Technology and Human Life, argues that society and technology co-exist as we live in the digital age.
Although technology can be beneficial to a society, people often misuse it in ways that have negative consequences. For instance, the global social stratification caused by modern technology is a real issue. On the other hand, technology allows old friends to reconnect on Facebook, school children in California to collaborate with students in Bali, and military personnel to conduct lethal drone strikes across the world. These changes make the Impact of Technology on Society an excellent topic for sociological study.
Impact of technology on business
There are many ways in which technology has changed the way we do business. It has paved the way for online transactions and payments. Without such technology, many businesses would not exist today. Unfortunately, technology can also expose vital company information, which competitors can use to strategize against them. Because of this, businesses should be cautious when relying too heavily on technology.
Technological advancements have also improved the pace of business processes. These changes have resulted in faster delivery of products and services to clients. Additionally, technology has made it easier for companies to transfer their resources from one location to another. This has helped companies respond more quickly to customer demands and create better products.