It is rather common to perceive technology in terms of hardware products such as; machines, computers and electronic gadgets. However, it is instructive to note, that technology is not limited to machines or hardware products but covers processes and methods used in carrying out a required task.
Experts (White and Bruton, 2007) have defined technology in a variety of ways. Some of the definitions include; The Processes used to change inputs into outputs, the application of knowledge to perform work and the theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and artefacts that can be used to develop products as well as their production and delivery system. It includes; the application of science, especially to industrial or commercial objectives.
According to Wikepedia, Technology is the collection of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation.
The above definitions clearly highlight the major role technology plays in every human endeavor. The term process has very broad meanings, ranging from steps in a scientific experiment, to activities performed in a business context. In Education, a typical process may relate to how students are admitted or how subject tutors are recruited to facilitate teaching and learning. To use technology effectively and efficiently, one will require understanding of the principles underlying the application of the relevant tools, techniques, theories, skills, practical knowledge and how well a fine combination of these, could add value to the activities engaged in.
Needless to say, that there are 2 main schools of thoughts pertaining the emergence of technology. One breadth has it that, society is in the driving seat of technology such that a strong social demand invites a suitable technology whereas the other considers technology as a process of commencing with a research idea devoid of any social forces of demand. Irrespective of the positions of both schools, the common ground of concern is about what the technology is going to do for society. It must be indicated that, many technology experiments began with a very narrow focus in mind, however with time, they tend to stretch to become a major source of usage in our daily activities ranging from scientific to business, including; uses for social and community needs.
A case in point is the internet which began as a scientific experiment, yet today has taken to the fore as a major tool accessible for everyone for various purposes including work, social or scientific applications. From the foregoing, it is abundantly clear that over the years, technology has evolved to satisfy man’s needs in a variety of ways. Technology by evidence has its shortcomings, hence this write up seeks to weigh the impact of technology in our everyday lives and consider human dependency on technology. I further point out in this piece, ways in which technology has been helpful to humans over the years and presently. Without applying cosmetics to the truth, the challenges of the emergence of technology cannot be overemphasized. Given that we continue to deal with these challenges over time. Technology has influenced our everyday lives significantly on multiple fronts, from uber thusly; (regular road transportation by car), to banking, in mobile transactions, in the airplanes or airline industry, technology in education and in library record keeping and referencing. Whereas some challenges include but not limited to; distractions, loss of interpersonal and communication skills, cost on upgrade and maintenance and cyber-crime on the increase among others.
Some Common Technologies used in Everyday Life
Technology features very prominently in many areas of human endeavor on a daily basis. Below are a few examples of the key role technology plays in our daily lives.
Uber
Uber is a software that enables one book a taxi ride from one point to another. To subscribe to the service, one needs to download an application on the mobile phone and register as a subscriber. A software manages transactions between the user and driver registered as a service provider. It uses technology to manage journeys and facilitates payments. It makes the transaction more transparent and somewhat reasonable as the software provided calculates the fares and makes this available to the service user beforehand. In Ghana, to use an ordinary cab one will have to negotiate with the driver. However not all drivers subscribe to Uber therefore there are other options for service users.
Banking
In the Banking sector, e-banking enables the bank to provide efficient services to clients through user friendly interfaces known technically as Graphical User Interface (GUI). By using the customized software of their respective banks, customers can access their bank details from anywhere and at any time they so desire. As long as they have access through their computer or smart device which is enabled by the bank’s software, they can make transactions ranging from money transfer to printing and monitoring checks on their bank statements.
Mobile Transactions
Mobile payments have made transactions very convenient and possible with the concept of ubiquitous (existing or being everywhere) computing making transaction very convenient through transfers from any part of the country or across countries. Subscribers are also able to use mobile wallets (also known as digital wallet) to store payment information on mobile devices. It is also advantageous in the sense that it enables different technologies to relate with each other regardless of make or brand. A common example is Apple Pay which cuts across different categories allowing payments on card terminals with fingerprint authentication via the phone, for in-app online purchases and payments. Other applications include Point-of-sale solutions allowing convenient payments at pump stations and retail outlets.
Airplanes/Airline Industry
Using appropriate websites, one can easily book an airline ticket as well as compare airline prices. Lately, booking online has become very popular to the extent that one is able to book seats and process check-in arrangements in the comfort of your home. These websites are able to provide additional services such as the ability to notice and avoid hidden fees and gain adequate knowledge of cancellation policies.
Additionally, the airline industry is working hard at introducing eco-friendly air travel with hypersonic flights that will get you to your destination in record time. The outcome of these experiments will see aircrafts ran fuel efficient carriers in the near future. Leading aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus in 2015 patented a hypersonic jet capable of speeds 4.5 times the speed of sound. The planned innovation will be powered by a combination of turbojet, ramjet and rocket motor.
Technology in Education
Technology is fast becoming a major tool for pedagogical resources for the younger generations. Students use technology to learn through research and for receiving feedback. A typical example is the use of Google Maps or Google Earth for studying Geography. Using the Internet, students are able to better relate with world or abstract issues in the classroom. They use this also to enhance their problem solving skills. With the use of simulation and modelling techniques they are able to see events which normally cannot be seen in the classroom such as storms and other scientific phenomena. They can now debate freely through the creation of online groups, web pages and virtual communities connecting them with other students and teachers. It helps them refine their thinking by listening to others and receiving feedback from peers and tutors.
Library record keeping and referencing
To enhance record keeping and referencing in library services, good record keeping is critical. Efficient record keeping will facilitate the collection and management of research records, as well as enrich the manipulation of data to make for more effective collaboration among academic communities. Well kept records will serve useful needs including the managing and planning of research, replication of results for documenting, for publishing and for complying with regulatory requirements. There are however risks with intellectual dispute if care is not taken to monitor these activities. There are dangers such as the falsification and fabrication of research records with potential outcomes that could be scandalous. This underscores the importance of managing library records efficiently to ensure that intellectual properties do not fall into wrong hands. Efficient library services are heavily dependent on technology. The need to develop proper structures cannot be overlooked. The principle Garbage in, Garbage out (GIGO) highlights the importance of keeping a keen eye on research results and managing library resources efficiently.
Challenges in Use of Technology
Even though technology has immense benefits and makes life easier in many cases, there are still some concerns over using technology extensively. In office environments, they are known to cause disruptions where phone calls are received regularly in between busy work schedules. This can potentially be counter-productive and disruptive in work settings. One of the drawbacks of technology is that it demands a lot of attention. Thus; eventually resolving technology issues could result in distractions that ultimately outweigh the benefits of owning and using them.
Loss of Interpersonal and Communication Skills
The value of person to person communications is lost out with the heavy reliance on technology. With the advent of Cell phones, it has become customary to engage with each other through texting, email and social media such as Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn and so on. These have literally replaced short meetings and conversations which in the past were useful in developing strong bonds at the workplace. Also lost in this are opportunities to transmit our emotions in ways that enable work colleagues better understand each other. Interpersonal communications are very important in dealing with work colleagues, clients and other acquaintances. Communications across technology platforms are devoid of the added human touch.
Upgrades and Maintenance Costs
Due to the need to improve technology, there is a persistent need to develop upgrades and acquire new skills regularly. This may mean taking time off work for trainings to keep up with new developments. Software developed require regular maintenance and these have significant cost implications. The challenge of coping with the rapid changes and also keeping abreast with new performance requirements, remains a source of stress for both employers and employees, and could be demoralizing especially where ageing sets in, many are not that keen to embrace such change.
Cyber-crime on the increase
Cyber-crime have increased in recent times regardless of best efforts to minimize threats of access to personal information. Customer information ranging from personal to financial data have been at the mercy of hackers. In some cases, sensitive high level information have been intercepted by rogues who in turn have used the data to serve their own personal interests. Recently the co-founder of Wikileaks Julian Assange was arrested at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London where he had sought refuge since 2012. Currently he faces US federal conspiracy charges over alleged leakage of government secrets. Should he be extradited from the UK he faces up to 5 years in prison if convicted on charges of intrusion. He is believed to have conspired with a former US intelligence Analyst, Chelsea Manning to download highly classified data from Government databases.
Conclusion
It is clear that the appetite for solving human problems with technology is very high and that this desire continues to drive society to persist in seeking technology solutions, to address a wide range of challenges. The reality we face today, is that many of the things we did so easily in the past are not common to us any longer. For example; with the advent of the calculator, we no longer harbor the desire to think on our own and would rather rely on the calculator, to do this for us. In more advanced societies, robots have been used largely in getting things done. By way of example and in the automobile industry for that matter, even though the use of robots have proved worthwhile, we cannot ignore the negative effects of the car in everyday life. They include; such negatives as an increase in the rate of accidental deaths, including health hazards such as a rise in obesity and cardiovascular diseases from the emission of air and noise pollution to the generation of high volumes of traffic which have had adverse effects on economic life.
It is a known fact that only a century ago the telephone stood out as the greatest advancement. However over time, this technology has now become a common feature of our lives. Leveraging on the benefits derived from technology, the world continues to rely more heavily on technology-driven products and processes with the strength it offers in terms of speed in accomplishing tasks. People can now keep schedules and facilitate global communications and networks.
Whilst technology has given us new ways of achieving goals more efficiently, it potentially has had negative effects on human society in terms of its diminishing patience and taking focus off human intervention. Although technology has been useful, its benefits have come at great costs requiring society to adjust in significant ways to keep abreast with new developments.
In sum and substance, technology over the years has played a major role in every human endeavor. Many of the business processes have benefited or leveraged the internet technology for example which makes its functions widely available and relatively easy to use. From transportation to engineering, to education, to commercial activities and many others, technology has contributed very significantly to goal attainment for humans. It cannot be said better, that key departments of human life has interacted with technology in one way or the other.
Technology is a growing phenomenon that a preponderant majority of humans have embraced and relied on with time. However, there appears to be some gaps we need not lose sight of. It is noteworthy to state, that technology is not absolute or dependent on itself but needs some amount of human effort to operate thereby making the issue of dependence a reciprocal one in this sense. More so, the differences in standard; age, social class and sophistication makes the dependence on technology vary across respective societies and as such would be somewhat self-defeating and erroneous to particularly generalize the position that, humans in general have become too dependent on technology across the globe. Significant human effort is still an integral part of the formula.