Technology refers to a wide range of human activities. These include the invention of new tools and techniques, the application of technology to make life easier and the development of advanced economies.
New technologies can also harm society, or lead to unexpected consequences. In the 1970s, the United States experienced a phenomenon called technological unemployment. Some technologists blamed the government for not adequately responding to these issues. However, the growing recognition of the social impacts of technology has boosted pressure on technologists to address them.
Technology is a complex field, and it changes continuously. This is why it is important to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of its different aspects.
When a technological wave is fully realized, it has a large impact on the economy and culture. The Internet is an example of this. It allows people around the world to communicate instantly.
As a result, governments need to develop and enforce regulations for technology. For instance, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) focuses on addressing the responsibilities of data controllers and processors.
New technologies also have a negative impact on the environment. Cryptocurencies have become an environmental hazard as more computing resources are dedicated to mining. There is also concern about the impact of artificial intelligence.
Technologists are often ill-equipped to deal with the consequences of their work. They have to contend with new Luddites who are trying to mitigate the societal impacts of technology.
The technology industry is a major source of revenue for many businesses. It provides them with a competitive edge.