What Is Technology?

Technology is the way human knowledge is creatively applied to organised tasks involving people and machines that meet sustainable goals. It is a broad term that covers a wide range of devices, from stone tools to artificial intelligence. It is important to understand how different technologies function so that we can make the most of them in our daily lives. We can also learn more about these technologies and how they have shaped our world by studying technology at university level.

The most prominent benefit of technology is time efficiency. It allows humans to multiply their finite energy and attention by enabling them to complete tasks much more quickly. This enables businesses to increase profits.

Another key advantage of technology is democratising access to information and knowledge. For example, the internet has made it easier for people to train themselves in a new skill without the need to travel to a physical school or pay for expensive books and materials. This has enabled people to pursue a new career, improve their current job or simply develop a hobby that they have always wanted to do.

Most technological advancements are developed by accumulating practical knowledge and modifying it to solve specific problems. For instance, a new machine might be designed to help with the production of certain products that can’t be easily produced by hand. The resulting invention might be faster, cheaper and more efficient than previous methods. Often, however, the underlying science that supports the new technology is unknown or uncertain.