Technology | Definition, Examples, Types, & Facts (2024)

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  • technology - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

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Key People:
B.J. Habibie
William Fielding Ogburn
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Anthony F.C. Wallace
Frank Hamilton Cushing
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Top Questions

What is technology?

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.

Is Internet technology "making us stupid"?

Whether Internet technology is "making us stupid" is widely debated. Some argue the Internet is reprogramming our brains for the worse, as seen by diminishing IQ scores, and that new technologies and platforms like the Internet are harming attention spams, the ability to concentrate, and perform simple tasks. Others argue that virtually all new technologies throughout history have been initially feared, that the Internet gives voice to diverse populations and equal access to information for the benefit of social advancement, and that changing how the brain works and how we access and process information is not necessarily bad. For more on the debate about whether the Internet is "making us stupid," visit ProCon.org.

What is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technology on society?

Artificial intelligence technology's impact on society is widely debated. Many argue that AI improves the quality of everyday life by doing routine and even complicated tasks better than humans can, making life simpler, safer, and more efficient. Others argue AI poses dangerous privacy risks, exacerbates racism by standardizing people, and costs workers their jobs leading to greater unemployment. For more on the debate over artificial intelligence, visit ProCon.org.

technology, the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.

The subject of technology is treated in a number of articles. For general treatment, see technology, history of; hand tool. For description of the materials that are both the object and means of manipulating the environment, see elastomers; industrial ceramics; industrial glass; metallurgy; mineral deposit; mineral processing; mining; plastic. For the generation of energy, see energy conversion; coal mining; coal utilization; petroleum production; petroleum refining. For treatment of food production, see agriculture, history of; agricultural economics; beekeeping; beer; cereal farming; coffee; commercial fishing; dairy farming; distilled spirit; food preservation; fruit farming; livestock farming; poultry farming; soft drink; tea; vegetable farming; wine. For the techniques of construction technology, see bridge; building construction; canals and inland waterways; dam; harbours and sea works; lighthouse; roads and highways; tunnels and underground excavations; environmental works. For the manufacture and design of the means of transportation, see aerospace industry; automotive industry; ship construction. For communications technology, see broadcasting; computer science; information processing; photography; printing; photoengraving; typography; telecommunication. For the processes and products of other manufacturing industries, see adhesive; clothing and footwear industry; dye; explosive; floor covering; forestry; chemical industry; man-made fibre; surface coating; papermaking; soap and detergent; textile. For medical applications of technology, see diagnosis; therapeutics; drug; medicine, history of; pharmaceutical industry. For military applications, see military technology. For treatment of the organization of technological systems, see automation; engineering; production system; systems engineering; work, history of the organization of.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.

Technology | Definition, Examples, Types, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

What is technology and definition and examples? ›

The definition of technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes or applications. Technology uses scientific principles, and applies them to change the environment in which humans live. Technology can also use scientific principles to advance industry or other human constructions.

What are 10 examples of science and technology in everyday life? ›

All phenomena are the result of science and technology, whether smartphones, fans, tyres, automobiles, fabric, paper, toothbrushes, power, microwave, automobiles, radio, television, laptop computers, etc.

What is information technology definition types and examples? ›

Information technology is a broad term that involves the use of technology to communicate, transfer data and process information. The different trends within information technology include, but aren't limited to: Analytics. Automation. Artificial intelligence.

What are the three ways to define technology? ›

1) (a): the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area; (b): a capability given by the practical application of knowledge. 2) a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge. 3) the specialized aspects of a particular field of endeavor.

What is technology in our daily life? ›

We use technologies to exchange information, to clean our clothes, to prepare our meals and to get from one place to another. But even everyday items like door locks, floor panels and furniture are technologies that we now take for granted and that seem less impressive to us than self-driving cars or 3D printing.

What is the simple definition of technology for kids? ›

Technology is the use of knowledge to invent new devices or tools. Throughout history, technology has made people's lives easier.

What is the best definition of technology? ›

technology, the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.

How many types of technology are there? ›

Most people use some form of technology every day of their lives. There are many different types of technology, each with unique functions that aim to make certain processes more efficient.

What are 5 technology we use everyday? ›

Examples of everyday technology include phones, computers, washing machines, cars, toothbrushes, and coffee makers.

How does technology affect our humanity? ›

In short, the evolving connection between technology and humanity has transformed our lives and will continue to do so in the future. Enhancing accessibility, revolutionizing healthcare, reshaping work, and navigating ethics are just a few of the areas profoundly impacted by technology.

What are the basic concepts of IT? ›

What are four basic concepts of information technology? Information security, computer technical support, business software development and database and network management are four core IT concepts.

What technology can you not live without? ›

Technologies We Can't Live Without
  • Smartphone — it was the phone that came first to us as an invention with the primary purpose of communication. ...
  • Computer/laptop — With all the aid of technology and its benefits, the whole world and the economy is now digitally performing.
Jan 20, 2023

What is technology simple definition and examples? ›

Technology refers to methods, systems, and devices which are the result of scientific knowledge being used for practical purposes. Technology is changing fast. They should be allowed to wait for cheaper technologies to be developed. ... nuclear weapons technology.

What are the 4 elements of technology? ›

Components of technology
  • Knowledge – Awareness of facts or being competent. Engineering – Applied science and research. ...
  • Tool – Object can be used to achieve a goal. ...
  • Structure – Arrangement of interrelated elements in an object/system, or the object/system itself. ...
  • Infrastructure – Facilities and systems serving society.

What is technology in short sentence? ›

Technology is the study of scientific knowledge in order to create tools and processes that may be used to change the world by increasing efficiency in nearly every aspect of our lives.

What is the full meaning of basic technology? ›

A technoeconomic paradigm describes a state when a new basic technology (e.g., information and communication technology (ICT)) has diffused throughout the whole of society, and has, thus, become the key technology of a society.

What is the purpose of technology? ›

The purpose of technology is to meet a human need or solve a human problem. Technology can help meet many types of human needs, like needs of shelter, food, clothing, and communication. Technology does not originate from the natural world and includes methods or activities that people use to alter their environments.

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