DEFINE TECHNOLOGY

 What it means 

At its core, technology translates understanding from science and other domains into methods and artifacts that change or manipulate the environment to desired ends. 

The term spans outcomes like machines and software, as well as the processes and know‑how used to design, build, and operate them. 

This breadth ranges from simple mechanisms such as levers and wheels to complex networks like the internet and cloud platforms. Everyday examples Early stone tools, fire control, and the wheel illustrate how technology has long extended human capabilities. Printing presses, telephones, and the internet lowered communication barriers and fueled the knowledge economy. Smartphones, computers, and AI systems exemplify digital technologies that process and transmit information at scale. Medical devices and diagnostics apply scientific knowledge to prevent, detect, and treat disease. Transportation systems and power grids show how coordinated technologies become large, interoperable systems. Key types Mechanical: simple machines and engines that produce motion and force for work. Electronic: circuits and devices enabling computing, audio‑video, and household automation. Communications: telegraph to smartphones and satellites for transmitting information. Medical: tools and techniques for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Industrial and manufacturing: large‑scale production systems and processes.

 

Why it matters Technology drives productivity, growth, and improvements in everyday life by scaling capabilities and reducing barriers to action. 

Its rapid advancement shapes economies and societies, creating new opportunities alongside challenges that require thoughtful governance. 

Potential downsides include pollution, resource depletion, and displacement of jobs through automation, which motivate ongoing ethical and policy debates. Related term: IT Information technology (IT) refers specifically to the use of computers, networks, storage, and related processes to create, process, store, secure, and exchange electronic data, especially in business contexts. 

IT commonly encompasses internet and web technologies, cloud computing, databases, AI/ML, cybersecurity, IoT, and data analytics for decision‑making. 

This subset highlights the digital infrastructure and practices that underpin modern information flows.