The word technology is so widely used that many people equate it with gadgets and the things that make our world different from the past. When viewed this way, it may be easy to miss the fact that technology is not just about tools or hardware but rather is a process of solving problems and achieving goals.
Technology can have both positive and negative effects on the world and its inhabitants. For example, it can lead to medical advancements, increase production in a business, or disrupt social structures. Nevertheless, it is the human curiosity and foresight that are ultimately behind most technological discoveries and achievements. Modern technologies are usually complex, requiring organizations to maintain and train staff for their use. They can also create new problems by introducing pollution or disrupting existing social hierarchies.
The most commonly used form of technology is software, which includes the programs a computer uses to function. However, the term can also be applied to any device that allows users to record and display audio and visual media. Examples include cameras, microphones and projectors. Batteries are another common type of technology, ranging from small batteries in watches to larger ones that power solar panels or electric vehicles.
The concept of technology has been criticized by some scholars for being oversimplified and devoid of any real societal meaning. However, others have argued that the term is useful for explaining how societies organize themselves and what the potential impact of a new invention might be.