Technology is the tools and systems humans develop to solve problems, improve efficiency, and meet goals. It includes both tangible tools like utensils and machines and intangible ones like computer programs and communication systems. Technology affects every aspect of our lives, including our business and personal lives. Understanding how to use technology is critical for people in all jobs and industries, especially for those who research and develop new technologies.
The word technology comes from two Greek words: techne, meaning art or skill, and logos, meaning word or discourse. Technological reasoning is based on facts and observations but also relies on contingencies, constraints, and behaviors that are specific to a context. For example, a technological invention may create a new form of energy but that same innovation can also cause damage to the environment or human health.
As technology evolved, it became easier to fit parts that make things work together into smaller and smaller spaces. The resulting devices became increasingly complex, and whole fields of study developed to support them. Today, many technologies require sophisticated training to design, build, and maintain, and to understand how they work.
Almost all businesses rely on some type of technological application in their operations. Some companies develop their own software applications, while others purchase or lease it from outside vendors. Many companies use technology as a key component of their brand and to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. However, technology can also be a challenge for many companies. Keeping up with upgrades can be costly, and some employees may resist using new applications. Some studies have shown that excessive use of some digital technologies can lead to addiction.