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What Is Technology?

Definition,
Types, Examples

Martin Luenendonk
Updated Feb 14, 2023.

Let’s board a time machine and get a first-hand view of how


technology shaped human history. Ready?
Welcome to the ancient world, where the first-ever technology, stone
tools, was invented. Next stop, the medieval ages. Look, many sailing
ships are trying to discover new lands.
What are making those loud factory-like noises? Welcome to the
Industrial Revolution era with many steam-powered machines. Next
stop, the modern age. The technological innovations here are
endless. There is nuclear technology, computers, and space rockets.
Wait! Is that a flying car? Are aliens invading the earth? Are those
robots fighting humans? Just kidding. You get the picture.
Technologies solve problems faced by human beings.
What to know more about modern technologies? Keep reading.

What is Technology in Simple


Words?
Technology is the practical application of scientific knowledge to
solve real-world problems and improve human welfare. It aims to
achieve either a commercial or industrial objective.
Imagine a world with no ubiquitous technology, no internet,
vehicles, phones, machines, and electricity. We can agree that it is a
nightmare.
Every part of your daily life revolves around using
technology. Do you own an online business? The internet and
software tools you use are gifts of technology. It is true for our
cooking tools, cars, buses, trains, and modern medicine.
Technology improves the human environment and solves
problems. For example, early humans used stones to create fire,
hunt, and forge weapons in the Stone Age. This technological
development helped the early people survive.
Many other technological advances have propelled societal changes.
The Internet and telephone made it possible to communicate with
people from any location.
Today, many emerging technologies have a positive impact on our
world. Take the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT as an
example.
The AI tool answers any question you ask in a conversational tone. It
can write business letters, code, songs, poems, short stories,
resumes, and cover letters.

Source: Statista

Some Popular Types of Technology


Technology is a broad concept you can split into different types
based on the methods of application, problems they solve, and
purposes they serve.

1. Medical Technology

Medical technology is the application of scientific knowledge to


solving problems in the human body. Doctors and other medical
experts use it to discover symptoms to prevent, delay and treat
diseases.
When you hear medical technology, what's the first thing that pops
into your mind? Most people think about syringes, catheters,
ventilators, hip prostheses, pacemakers, ultrasound, and CT
scanners. They are all correct.
Source: Medical News Today

Examples of Medical Technology

 MRI Scanners: A diagnostic radiologist uses this medical device


to scan the human body to check for cancerous tissues, organ
malfunctions, and torn ligaments.
 Remote Patient Monitoring: Observing the patient’s well-being
is a huge concern for physicians. With remote patient monitoring
devices, medical personnel can examine how patients respond to
treatment from outside the hospital.
2. Mechanical Technology

Mechanical technology is using engineering knowledge to create


machines that solve human problems. It aims to improve the
manufacturing and engineering environment through different
innovations.
Throughout human history, the contributions of mechanical
technology impacted entire societies. In ancient Mesopotamia, they
created wheels and used them to build carts for better transportation
of people and goods.
In modern times, it helps us accomplish our essential daily tasks
that usually involve mental and physical effort. These tasks
include running cars, carrying heavy objects, and powering our
heating and cooling systems.

Source
: Actuate Minds

Examples of Mechanical Technology


 Motors: This mechanical mechanism works by converting
electrical currents into rotational movement. You can find motors
in everyday devices like fans, water pumps, and washing
machines.
 Gears or Cogwheels: Open any rotating machine and see this
mechanical technology. Gears are what cause changes in power
and speed. Moving machines like bicycles and ships use them.

3. Communication Technology

Communication technology uses tools and systems to pass


messages to people. The first use of communication was using
symbols to send messages about 30,000 years BCE. Some symbols
used include cave paintings, petroglyphs, pictograms, and
ideograms.
Every day we use this technology to communicate with one another.
You are using a smartphone or laptop to read this blog post on the
internet. That’s communication technology in motion.
Source: Pexels

Examples of Communications Technology

 Telephone: This device enables people to communicate from


anywhere in the world. The early phones could only make voice
calls. Today, you can make voice and video calls, send text
messages, and browse the web with your smartphone.
 Internet Technologies: The internet is the most transformative
technology of the modern world. You can use it to stay in contact
with people beyond geographical barriers.
4. Industrial and Manufacturing Technology

Industrial and manufacturing technologies focus on faster, simpler,


and more efficient production of machines, complex tools,
engines, products, hardware parts, and processes. They help
manufacturing companies increase production levels and achieve
better productivity.
20 years ago, the thought of producing goods without human
intervention was sci-fiction. Today, automation and data analysis are
transforming the manufacturing field.

Source: SL Controls

Examples of Industrial and Manufacturing


Technology

 Smart Factories: Manufacturing environments that use well-


connected technology to automate and improve processes for
increased productivity. Manufacturers use smart robot technology
to produce products faster and cheaper.
 3D Printing: 3D printers help manufacturers to improve
production speeds and reduce waste.

5. Electronic Technology

Electronic technology is the use of electric-powered devices and


systems to process and transmit information.
A broad range of devices falls under this category: your laptop, tablet,
phone, printer, television, and communication systems like satellite
networks and the internet.

Source: Pexels

Examples of Electronic Technology


 Smart Television: You use it to watch your favorite shows,
sports matches, and new stations.
 Digital Printers: Printers are essential business tools that are
still relevant in today’s business environment. Although many
businesses are switching from paper-based storage to the cloud,
the printer is still important.
 ATMs: The invention of ATMs revolutionized how people got
funds from the bank. You get cash without having to stay in long
queues in the banking hall. People can also perform online
transactions and transfers with their ATM cards.

6. Educational Technology

Educational technologies are tools and systems designed to


improve learning and teaching for students and teachers.
Any tool that helps students learn new subjects and solve practical
problems falls under this category. It can be an online learning
platform providing easy access to educational and innovative
materials.
Educational software like LearnWorlds and Thinkific improves the
learning experience for students and teachers. You can take online
courses on these platforms and learn the same things taught in a
physical classroom.
Source: Acoustical Vision

Examples of Educational Technology

 Smart Classrooms: These classrooms are full of devices that


make learning easier for students. You have computers, tablets,
projectors, and other software tools connected to work as one.
Students can easily access the internet for research, and
teachers can send files to students.
 Virtual Reality: One of the best ways to teach is to present a
subject in a personalized way to make it easily relatable. Through
VR, students can relate better to the topic through a first-hand
virtual experience rather than using their imaginations. Students
can easily remember what they saw. VR has significantly
changed the educational system from something seen as boring
to a more engaging experience.
 Gamification: This technology helps students actively participate
in the learning experience. They can take the driver's seat. Many
school lessons are now in video game format. Students are more
motivated to learn this way. Why? At the end of every lesson,
there is a structured reward system for good grades.

7. Business Technology

Business technology refers to equipment, software, and systems


that help organizations improve work productivity and accomplish
tasks easier and faster.
Successful businesses use technology to drive their business
operations and scale their growth. Even small businesses use it to
keep up with the competition.

Examples of Business Technology

 Business Tools: The business tools you use to start and run
your online business fall under this category. For example, they
are your website and landing page builder, web host, webinar,
video conferencing, email marketing, and keyword research tools.
 Security Tools: Security is a vital issue for every business. A
wise business owner will invest in the right business security
systems to keep the company physically and digitally safe. Only
authorized users can access essential data with the right security
software. Installing advanced motion detectors and security
cameras helps reduce the risks of robbery.
 Communication Tools: Having the right technology means you
can effectively communicate important goals and plans to
employees. You can hold virtual meetings with team
communication tools like Zoom and Monday.com.
8. Construction Technology

When you see heavy engineering structures like bridges and large
buildings, that's the magnificent work of construction technology.
This technology covers advanced methods, simple and complex
tools, and software systems used to build a structure.
Construction tools help builders to efficiently complete a project on
time, within budget, and with minimum accidents.

S
ource: Behance
Examples of Construction Technology

 3D Houses from Printing to Design: 3-dimensional printing is


widely used globally for construction because of its various
benefits. 3D-printed houses are cheaper, faster, and more cost
effective than traditional alternatives. Turning to the design, you
can use floor plan software if you want to peek into or
customize how your house looks inside. It helps you to arrange
elements harmonically and effectively to cut costs and achieve
visual perfection.
 Exoskeletons: They are wearable devices that can improve the
abilities of construction workers. With an exoskeleton,
construction workers can work better, faster, and with fewer
mistakes. It helps them minimize workplace accidents and
increase productivity. An exoskeleton is a whole-body suit that
includes power gloves and support for arms, shoulders, and back.
 LiDAR Technology: Such 3D modeling tools let construction
teams create 3D models of building sites and edifices, so they
better plan their project stages and costs.

9. Assistive Technology

Assistive technology uses technical means and tools to improve the


quality of life of dependent people. People with disabilities use it to
carry out tasks that are relatively impossible or difficult to perform.
A disabled person who moves around in an off-road wheelchair and
performs basic tasks uses assistive technology.

Examples of Assistive Technology

 Screen Readers: They help the visually impaired or blind to


know what is on the computer screen. Staying connected is a lot
easier for blind people because of this software. Examples of
screen readers are JAWS for Windows, NVDA, or Voiceover for
Mac.
 Text Readers: This software reads out text with a synthesized
voice for those who cannot read. They come with a highlighter to
emphasize the words spoken. Some of the most popular text-to-
speech software (TTS) you have probably heard of are Murf,
Descript, and Speechelo.

10. Entertainment Technology

Entertainment technology refers to the tools and systems that


create an entertaining experience for people.
The media and entertainment industry relies heavily on this
technology. Think about the special effects you see in movies, online
streams, and VR games. They all fall under the category.
Source: Pixabay

Examples of Entertainment Technology

 IoT-Driven Museums: Modern museums use emerging


technologies like IoT and virtual reality to showcase historical art
pieces, artifacts, and documents to visitors.
 Gaming on the Blockchain: Various games are emerging using
blockchain technology, like Cryptokitties and Huntercoin.
Blockchain games are making waves, and gamers are gravitating
toward this idea.
Impacts of Technology on Our
Society
The impact of technology touches every area of human living, like
business, society, and culture. It has both positive and negative
effects.

Positive Impacts of Technology

Technology contributes many positive things to our


society. Thanks to advanced technology and increasingly more
complex tools, we can accomplish tasks faster, increase our
productivity, and improve the quality of human life.

1. Improves Learning Processes

Many helpful and relevant resources are available for learning.


eBooks, blogs, online schools, visual aids, and audiobooks have
changed how people acquire knowledge
Thanks to educational technology, learning is more interactive
and collaborative. The internet gives you access to unlimited
information.
Students can easily take advantage of innovative apps and tutorials
online that encourage self-paced learning.

2. Ensures Better Communication Across Any


Distance

Technology has impacted how people talk and communicate


with one another. It brought in many new electronic communication
methods like emails, face timing, and video conferencing
applications.
Thanks to communication technology, an accounting firm in England
can effectively communicate with clients from the United States. The
firm can hire employees from different continents and hold virtual
meetings via video conferencing software like Zoom.

3. Provides Quality Healthcare

Technological advancements in the medical industry improved the


quality of health systems worldwide.
Medical technology helps doctors easily detect symptoms and
diseases before they get out of hand. It also provides better safety
equipment to prevent medical professionals from contracting
diseases while treating patients.

Negative Impacts of Technology

Although technological progress is overwhelmingly positive, it has its


downsides too. Technology disrupts social hierarchies and causes
pollution and job losses.

1. Brings Deadlier Effect in Wars

Improvements in military technology like sophisticated guns, drones,


fighter jets, armored tanks, bombs, and nuclear weapons worsened
the effect of wars on human societies.
Take the destructive effect of the World Wars as an example. It led to
millions of lost lives, the destruction of crucial infrastructures, and
displaced families.

2. Causes Pollution
Technologies, especially fuel-powered machines, harm the
environment. Some contributors are factories running heavy
machines with diesel, coal, and petrol.
The negative impact of these technologies led to a surge in
demand for clean energy alternatives. Today, industries are
investing in solar, wind power, and other clean energy sources to
overcome environmental challenges.

3. Has a Negative Influence on Social


Communication

Recent technological developments like smartphones and the internet


have impaired relations between people.
A study by the European Parliament shows the internet affects
people in a negative way when it comes to socialization. This impact
causes a massive decrease in physical and psychological well-being,
especially among young people in society.

Advantages of Technology For


Businesses
Technology has a powerful effect on businesses. According to
a recent business survey , 99% of business owners use at least one
digital technology in their daily operations.
Let's check out some notable benefits of technology for businesses.

1. Saves Time and Money

Businesses can rely on computers, apps, and devices that perform


tasks faster, accurately, and effectively. Thanks to business software
tools and the remote work trend, you can run a profitable online small
business without renting an office and hiring many employees.
2. Improves Sharing of Information

An easy flow of information improves the speed at which


business owners can operate effectively and make decisions.
Improving collaboration in your organization is essential, especially
when you have remote workers. Online collaboration tools like
Monday.com and ClickUp help you easily share information with
employees and customers.

3. Increases Productivity

Technology helps you create products faster, more accurately, and


efficiently with lower labor costs. Even if you are not selling physical
goods, it helps improve your overall business productivity.
There are many technological systems online business owners can
use to improve their businesses. They can use accounting
software like QuickBooks to manage their bookkeeping and CRM
software like Salesforce to boost customer relationships.

4. Improves Data Storage

In the past, businesses stored data in paper records. The problem


with this storage style was that it could get lost or destroyed and
disrupt business operations.
Thanks to technological improvements in data storage, businesses
can use cloud storage and file-sharing services to keep
information securely on the cloud. The wonderful thing about saving
on the cloud is that you can access the data from any location.

Disadvantages of Technology For


Businesses
1. Brings Security Risks

Technology is not always safe. It is easy to lose business data on


the internet without caution. Hackers and other cybercriminals can
easily access your company's database if you don’t use an effective
security system.
Luckily, you can protect your business database with better
technology. Use online security systems to guard every aspect of
your company. Also, use strong password generators to create
random passwords that are difficult to hack.
Computer viruses are another threat to your business. It can ruin
your computer systems, steal or damage essential company files, and
leak sensitive internal information.
Cybercriminals use different malware attacks like ransomware to
freeze your system and hold you for ransom.
If you want to protect your business systems from these attacks,
installing the best antivirus protection and anti-spyware
software is crucial. Don’t wait until your business data gets
compromised and take preventive measures.

2. Is Expensive to Purchase and Maintain

New technologies can be expensive to buy. Most small businesses


avoid using many cutting-edge technologies because of their high
costs.
Buying technology is not the only cost involved. If you want it to work
effectively, you must factor in maintenance costs.
On-premise business software requires constant updates to ensure it
is always up-to-date. The cost of training employees on how to use
your business technologies can be expensive too.

3. Results in Social or Workplace Disconnection


Task automation can result in social and workplace
disconnection. Employees can become less engaged at work due to
feelings of underachievement or workplace boredom.
Overdependence on technology affects workplace relationships
significantly. Employees and business managers communicate
through emails, phones, and text messages instead of in-person
conversations. It can cause employees to feel disconnected from
their superiors and peers.
Technology allows fewer employees to show up physically to
work due to the ability to work remotely. Although it can improve
productivity, the social aspect of the company may begin to fall apart.
The results are isolation, disconnection, and loss of boundaries.

4. Becomes a Distraction

The internet can be a powerful distraction, especially at


work. Every employee has a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop
computer to assess the world wide web.
Hopefully, employees will use the internet for research and
communication while at work. However, they may browse, watch
YouTube shorts, and read tweets.
According to Clockify, 50-99% of employees feel distracted at work.
The top causes of these distractions are mobile phone/texting and the
internet.

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