Saturday 17 November 2012

Gratitude Day 18 Technology

Today I am grateful for technology. This covers all sorts of technology, computer, phone, medical equipment, photography, space etc. Without computer technology my ability to create this blog would not exist and my ability to research the topics I wish to cover in the blog would not be accessible to me easily. Without my little digital camera which is the size of my hand, easy to carry everywhere with me I would not the quick and easy ability to upload photos to the blog. This is just a small example of how technology assists me in my daily life.

Photo Source http://richard-wilson.blogspot.com.au

Technology according to Wikipedia is the making, modification, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, methods of organization, in order to solve a problem, improve a pre-existing solution to a problem, achieve a goal or perform a specific function. Technologies significantly affect humans as well as other animal species' ability to control and adapt to their natural environments. The word technology comes from Greek (technología); from (téchnē), meaning "art, skill, craft", and (logia), meaning "study of-". The term can either be applied generally or to specific areas: examples include construction technology, medical technology, and information technology.

Photo Source http://www.stubbornmule.net
The human species' use of technology began with the conversion of natural resources into simple tools. The pre historical discovery of the ability to control fire increased the available sources of food and the invention of the wheel helped humans in travelling in and controlling their environment. Recent technological developments, including the printing press, the telephone, and the Internet, have lessened physical barriers to communication and allowed humans to interact freely on a global scale. However, not all technology has been used for peaceful purposes; the development of weapons of ever-increasing destructive power has progressed throughout history, from clubs to nuclear weapons.

Technology has affected society and its surroundings in a number of ways. In many societies, technology has helped develop more advanced economies and has allowed the rise of a leisure class. Many technological processes produce unwanted by-products, known as pollution, and deplete natural resources, to the detriment of the Earth and its environment. Various implementations of technology influence the values of a society and new technology often raises new ethical questions. Examples include the rise of the notion of efficiency in terms of human productivity, a term originally applied only to machines, and the challenge of traditional norms.

Photo Source http://www.superreview.com.au
The following you-tube film compares the internet with a child's brain and speaks on the wonder of such a technology but also of our need to be careful in our exposure and use of such technology. It is very thought provoking and well worth watching, I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and watch it. Directed by @tiffanyshlain Please share this film far and wide! Info at:http://www.letitripple.org


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