Technology

Technology, application of science to practical human ends—particularly, to increase productivity and the availability of leisure and to improve the quality of life. Although technology includes developments since ancient times, such as occurred in the metallurgy involved in tool making, the term generally refers to industrial technology of the past 200 years. In agriculture, technology has improved crop yields and reduced the need for labor with the advent of farm machinery. Technology applied to manufacturing has made available goods in large numbers at the same time that industrial labor has become less strenuous and hazardous and work hours have been reduced. Major technological innovations of the past century have included the internal combustion engine used in automobiles and the harnessing of electricity for light, heat, and power. In the 20th century radio communication and powered flight, and more recently, the computer, laser, and atomic fusion and fission have created profound changes in many aspects of life. Technology applied to the field of medicine has greatly increased life expectancy. The extremely rapid changes caused by technology have also created serious problems. Population shifts to cities result in overcrowding. Natural resources have been depleted due to the industrial use of raw materials and the population explosions made possible by technology. Segments of the labor force are suddenly unemployed due to mechanization and automation, in a phenomenon known as technological unemployment. The assembly line that has made possible efficient production has also created boring and repetitive jobs, and the resulting loss of pride in work has created quality problems in U.S. industries. Most seriously, technology has resulted in many forms of environmental pollution, including toxic industrial waste, air pollution from motor vehicles, noise pollution, and the destruction of ecosystems by the use of insecticides.