DEFINITION OF TECHNOLOGY PAT MAYS IET 600 IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY

OUTLINE DEFINITION OF TECHNOLOGY POSITIVE ASPECTS OF DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY CONCLUSION

DEFINITION OF TECHNOLOGY Technology as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is a manner of accomplishing a task especially by using technical processes, methods, or knowledge. Technology to me, involves the evolution of humans and the way they approach a task, problem, or situation incorporating all the knowledge they have acquired though successes and failures personally and from others. This knowledge is then utilized in the advancement of the process by quality, quantity, method, etc…. This process over hundreds and thousands of years has enabled humans to refine and perfect many technologies that have previously were thought to be fiction.

POSITIVE ASPECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON SOCIETY The advancement of modern medicine and medical practices Vaccines have enabled many viruses to be eradicated such as measles, mumps Insulin enables humans to live and control the effects of diabetes Antibiotics will cure infections that left untreated would kill

POSITIVE ASPECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON SOCIETY The advancement of transportation services has enabled humans to increase mobility Automobile Airplane Space Shuttle Ships Trains Humans can now travel short or long distance with ease compared to our society one hundred years ago. We even have the capability to travel in outer space. That was science fiction only 60 years ago. Ships and trains can move manufacturing products and machinery in large quantities with ease. As these technologies are built upon and refined, the science fiction of today will be science fact tomorrow.

POSITIVE ASPECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON SOCIETY The advancement of communication services has enabled humans to increase access information rapidly Cell phone Personal Computer Microwave/AM/FM The personal cell phone has extended the communication skills of humans by creating a mobile workforce capable of being reached nearly anywhere. The personal computer used in conjunction with world wide web enabled humans to communicate, share knowledge , and store large volumes of data easily. Digital and analog communications enable humans to transmit data over long distance in real time.

NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON SOCIETY The development of weapons of mass destruction have resulted in the loss of human lives on a great scale Mustard, Sarin gas--WWI Atomic Bomb--WWII Napalm--Vietnam War Biological Present These chemicals and bombs were developed in the presence of war and the purpose was to destroy as much as possible. In peace time, these agents present a definite health, safety, and security problem for governments and citizens.

NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON SOCIETY The advancement of better medical practices has extended the life span of man. This has led to greater and greater population growth throughout the world, especially in the last hundred years. As the population grows, there is a trickle down effect with feeding this population. Better practices must be introduced and implemented to produce enough food. One example is the fishing industry. As the need for more food increases, fishermen have developed practices that can produce large quantities of fish from the world’s oceans. Some of these fisheries have been exploited to the point of endangerment and some close to extinction.

NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON SOCIETY The advancement of better manufacturing practices with the incorporation of better tooling machines, robotics, and control principles have streamlined processes so efficiently that corporations can move entire facilities relatively easily. Companies now routinely move entire facilities to another country or area for greater profits or combine processes leaving facilities vacant. Success in this society requires a more sophisticated workforce but the competition for these technology based jobs is becoming greater as technology grows. This leaves a gap between the trained and untrained person in the workplace. Individuals who do not stay with the rapid pace tend to be left behind.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, humans have made great advances in the field of technology over time. Advances in technology arise due to the human need to survive, solve a problem that exists, or refine a process. Health problems and disease have led to the development of drugs and vaccines. Mobility issues have led to the invention of the automobile, airplane, and even the space shuttle. Communication deficiencies have led to the development of radio, cell phone, personal computers, and even digital communications. Although I have listed each positive and negative separately, technologies can be used either way. Many times, what is developed to solve a problem will have an adverse result. This is by no means or purpose just a step in the development process. This is the driving force in refining technology. That is making it better.

CONCLUSION As society grows into an even more technological world, many will adapt just as Cro-Magnon man did. And either we embrace and learn from our mistakes and build upon them or fade into the history books like Neanderthal man. Albert Einstein said the following, “I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots”. We as a society must communicate our failures and accomplishments in technology but never forget man drives technology not technology driving man.

FAILURE AND SUCCESS DRIVE THE WHEEL OF INNOVATION