What is Technology?

Technology is a term that is often used by society today and is most commonly associated purely with machines and various electronic trinkets. However this is just one area, the “high tech” area, that this broad term covers.

The concept of technology actually refers to anything that has been crafted by something or someone to achieve some particular purpose. The earliest man made technological inventions include things like tools made from wood and rocks to assist with simple tasks crucial to survival, such as hunting and keeping warm. Over time the range of technology used by mankind has increased however the fundamental aims remain almost unchanged, (to survive and to make our lives easier). We now live in houses rather than caves and use guns rather than sharp sticks to hunt and fight amongst ourselves.

With the development of modern technology have we forgotten how to use some of the earliest forms of human technology? How many of us could actually use a spear to catch a fish or kill a wild boar? In truth probably not many of us. Do you think this is purely due to lack of practice rather than a disregard for older technologies or in truth have we completely lost these basic instincts?

Maybe it’s in our nature to drop and forget about one form of technology when we devise a newer seemingly better one, but is this always wise? In the current age of capitalism where someone is always trying to sell you something new, it makes sense to be technologically savvy and gain an understanding of what new technology can do for you. You can then decide if you need to buy into a certain new technologies and be aware that there may be alternative, already existent products or methods that are just as suitable, maybe even more so depending on the desired purpose.

Do you always buy the latest most lavish feature packed gadgets, or do you stick to more modest products?