Technology is the use of knowledge for achieving practical goals in a reproducible way. It includes both tangible tools such as utensils and machines, and intangible ones such as software. Technology evolves from accumulated experiential knowledge, and also from scientific understanding.
The most widely used form of technology is communication. Humans use communication technology tools to connect with family and friends, stay informed about news and events, promote products or services to potential customers and more. The use of communication technology has drastically changed the ways we interact with each other.
Most forms of technology help people accomplish tasks that would be difficult or impossible without them. For example, using a GPS (Global Positioning System) allows us to get real-time directions from the satellites orbiting the earth. Another example of technology is using a 3D printer to create objects that would be hard or impossible to make by hand. Technology can also reduce costs, as for instance, when a company shifts to digital communication from paper or engages computers in tasks that might take humans a long time to complete.
However, as a result of prioritizing certain paths, technology also neglects others. For example, when digital cameras became more popular than film cameras and darkrooms, the analogue photography pathway was deprioritized along with its inefficient but gratifying workflows. Moreover, some jobs can be eliminated entirely as a result of the advancement of technology. This is creating anxiety in workplaces around the world, as employees may fear being replaced by a machine.
