Technology has made tremendous changes to life across the globe. Some technologies are viewed positively, while others can cause harm. There are also many ethical questions that are raised by technology. In order to understand the role of technology in society, you have to look into the nuances and complexity of various technological innovations.
Generally, the relationship between technology and society is seen as symbiotic. A person with a particular technical skill is able to change his environment by utilizing the tools that have been developed. However, some technological processes produce unwanted by-products.
Although technology can make life easier, it can also be used for political oppression. Many technologists argue that governments should be the ones to address these issues. They point to laws and rules to keep technology in check. But, the reality is that governments are rarely in the position to do this.
Several countries are struggling to regulate technology. They are re-examining the rules that govern the exchange of information between nations. The growth of the gig economy has added challenges for regulators. These companies can exert tremendous power over the audiences they reach. And, the biggest tech companies have more resources than most nations.
Considering the global scale of technological innovations, it can be difficult to oversee the activities of the largest technology companies. The largest ones have more resources than most nations and are better positioned to implement global changes than individual regulatory bodies.
Tech companies are a major source of employment. But, some people fear that these companies have too much control over the creations that they produce. This has caused several philosophical debates over the future of technology in society.
One of the most common arguments against technology is anarcho-primitivism. Neo-Luddism also criticizes the pervasiveness of technology in the modern world. Another theory is transhumanism. It claims that the use of technology will eventually improve human condition.
Another theory is techno-progressivism. Technologists believe that continued development of technology is beneficial to the society. Using technology to develop advanced economies is a positive example of a societal impact of technology.
Another trend that is driving more innovations is digital trust. As more computing resources are dedicated to mining cryptocurencies, they have become a significant environmental hazard. Since cryptocurencies were originally intended as a form of decentralized digital cash, it has become possible for thieves to use them to commit financial fraud.
Often, the definition of technology is very narrow. Most software and hardware aims to make tasks easier and more efficient. For instance, word processing software makes document creation easy and fast. Similarly, accounting software is designed to automate accounting tasks.
However, there are other types of technology, and the term ‘technology’ encompasses a variety of different kinds of products. It includes techniques, raw materials, and other tools. Furthermore, it includes skills and knowledge.
Understanding the impact of technology can help students to apply for jobs. If you want to learn more, explore online or in classrooms. You may even decide to start a career in the field.
