Technological advancements help steer the future of the human race. In the past, man plows land with the help of farm animals to begin planting rice and other crops, which means farmers often used their hands for manual labor. If foods need to be moved from one place to another, either man walks to and from his destination or is aided by animals. Without the benefit of transport equipment, limited communication between regions or other nations occurred, thus, trade was limited within instead of having the opportunity to barter with other regions for more goods. In the same light, when it came to socializations among people, the lack of modern technology restricted occasions for communication and interaction.
Now, the changes and modernization of the world has given birth to various technologies that make life easier to live and for economic growth purposes. When man slowly discovered different kinds of tools, sources of energy, medical equipment, architectural designs, electronic devices, weaponry, transport systems, and communication systems, among others, it signaled the end of an era that focused too much on manual labor and the birth of modern and digital future guided by advanced technologies and computers.
Man's life changed as they became more creative in handling business commitments and relationships. With the advent of computerized medical machines, medical science continually evolved from what it was in the past. Communication methods improved as families were forced to live away from each other. Due to advancements in the medical field, sick people are given life extensions that enable them to lead productive lives despite suffering from medical conditions, while a huge number of the humanity also suffer because of the manufacture of weaponry used for purposes of war and other forms of conflict. Added to all these developments in technology are various other tools, machinery, and modes of transport that allow for different regions and nations to conduct business among each other, transportation of medical equipment to areas that need medical attention, and preservation of long-distance relationships. In all these technological innovations, humans greatly benefit on a personal, economical, and social level.
On top of the list of popular technologies discovered by man is transportation technology, which has greatly influenced the economic stability of a country by allowing outside trading options instead of limiting market opportunities inwards (Cagle). With the invention of other modes of transport such as airplanes and boats, the market sector was able to do business with companies outside the country (Rodrigue et al., section "What is Transport Geography?").
Another use of transportation technology is for mobility and accessibility purposes (Victoria Transport Policy Institute 7-1). The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) affirms that more than 5,000 transport businesses are in operation in the United States alone, providing transportation options to the wider population (2). Because of this, people have the option to choose the type of transport system most convenient for them, which includes cabs, buses, trains, and ferries. Adding to technological innovations from the transport sector, most modes of transportation offer a means to check schedules and alerts through the Internet. The great benefits that this provides commuters include the convenience of planning their trips to and from their destination (3) and faster physical movement (VTPI 7-2).
On the social front, transportation technology has opened new doors for humans to connect with one another. Without considering the spatial differences of people, transportation allows for more social interactions unlike in the past when people were limited in their interactions. To complete the benefits of transport systems on humans, development of new railroads and infrastructure further adds ease of transport and communication, which leads to more opportunities for socialization and interaction (Rodrigue et al., section "What is Transport Geography?").
Another technology that addresses most of the needs of humans today is biotechnology, which is based on the use of biological theories and processes in developing technologies that ease the lives of all living things whether in the agricultural, manufacturing, engineering, health, behavioral, environmental, or climactic fronts, among others. Through biotechnology, medicines intended to "combat debilitating and rare diseases, reduce environmental footprint, feed the hungry, use less and cleaner energy, and have safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial manufacturing processes" ("What is Biotechnology") have been invented. With the invention and manufacture of other health care products, people now have more options to choose from to help improve their medical condition. In addition, farmers are now able to make use of various "agricultural biotechnology [methods] to increase yields, prevent damage from insects and pests, and reduce farming's impact on the environment" ("What is Biotechnology"). The discovery of various methods to improve farm produce led to the genetic alteration of plants, animals, and microorganisms that enhance and preserve taste and quality longer, plants that have great resistance to pests and viruses, plants that can endure various weather and soil conditions, as well as vaccines that shield animals from once uncontainable infections (Keener et al.). By modifying the genetic makeup of plants and animals, they become more valuable to farmers and consumers. In addition, humans are guaranteed that the food they eat are pest-free, can help protect against specific diseases, and food products are clean, nutritious, and safe for consumption.
Furthermore, Keener claims that through biotechnology, diabetic patients have more chances of combating the disease as technologies that genetically modify bacteria, such as Escherichia coli bacteria, are altered and purified to "produce human insulin". Other diseases that are currently under study include "cystic fibrosis, AIDS and cancer", which can be done through gene therapy. Likewise, paternity claims can also be established through DNA testing where fingerprints of the parents and the child are compared (Keener et al.).
Biotechnology also aids in addressing problems common in Third world and underdeveloped countries, such as malnutrition. Because Vitamin A deficiency and anemia are common health issues in these countries, rice breeders utilize "biotechnology to build Vitamin A into the rice [and] increase [its] iron content" (Keener et al). By increasing yield, minimizing the dependence on pesticides, manipulating growing conditions, and enhancing nutritional value of rice and other crops, malnutrition problems can be solved. In addition, part of the program is to ensure that these products are also affordable for Third world consumers.
Biotechnology, although oftentimes receives criticism for risks involved in its implantation, actually is one of the answers to issues concerning reduction of communicable diseases, overcoming everyday illnesses, and development of new treatment methods for all types of health problems. It also aids in the production of higher crop yield to address food shortage and malnutrition in developing countries as well as improving nutritional value of fruits, vegetables, and rice ("What is Biotechnology"). Studies show that American consumers are predisposed to consume foods prepared using biotechnological methods when they see the benefits of doing so and if the price is affordable (Keener et al.).
Technology also deals with weaponry in order to address aggressions and clashes between warring nations, and even individuals. Beginning with simple weapons developed in the early 1900s including the bow and arrow (Strasser), modern weaponry has evolved to include bombs, robotics, and computers, among others (Hambling). With the development of "mechanized weaponry, such as machine guns and tanks" (Strasser), combating strategies of the military also evolved with the inclusion of other supporting military technologies such as aircrafts, nuclear bombs, and missiles. However, because of deaths caused by war, experimentation on the use of robots and other guided and computerized weapons in place of humans are ongoing (Hambling). One such example is the use of "drone vehicles as a form of aviation weapon, [which offers] the same military capabilities as manned flights" (Strasser).
Hambling further claims that soon, battles may also happen in space with the development of "aerospaceplanes" although these technologies may use robots instead of humans in the aircraft. Other weapons being developed now include bombs that can burrow deep under solid ground and explode underground, called "supercavitating warheads and burrowing bombs" (Hambling). Thus, enemies who do not have the capacity to develop such weaponry do not have a chance against foes with more advanced weapons technology.
When talking about technology, one thing that always crop up is social media and how it has facilitated development or maintenance of relationships. In the past, people needed to have face-to-face interactions in order to widen their social network. However, social media changed all that with the proliferation of Internet sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace, among others. The reasons for joining social networking sites may vary, but the most common include friendship, looking for relationships, and for fun. Without the benefit of initial face-to-face interactions, studies reveal that social networking sites are responsible for 1 out of 8 marriages in the U.S. today. If only for this reason, more people would opt to stay online for longer periods (Social Media Revolution 2).
The emergence of the digital age facilitated improvements on the education front as well. In the past, school aged children with disabilities depend on their mothers for tutoring instead of attending schools that offer educational assistance for children with learning disabilities. Now, through assistive technology, physically challenged individuals are provided the same educational opportunities that will help them thrive in the mainstream world. In the classroom setup, teachers may handle several cases of students with different learning difficulties, which include Mathematics, writing, reading, and listening (Raskind & Stanberry, 2010). For instance, a learning disability in Math means students may be given devices that will help them compute mathematical problems correctly or talking calculators equipped with built-in synthesizers. Students may also be provided with tape recorders complete with FM listening systems, where "the speaker wears a microphone and the listener wears a headset" (Heatherschulte, 2012), if the student has listening skills problems. For problems in writing abilities, students have the option to use the Braille system or audio books, with software "that allow[s] a student to dictate their answers rather than [writing them down]" (Heatherschulte, 2012).
Technology has also revolutionized the way school instructions are conducted with universities opting for more high-tech devices when it comes to conducting their classes. Students now use tablets in place of traditional books and can even record class sessions if they do not want to write or type anything. "Teaching materials [are becoming] digitized and the traditional classrooms" (Mascarenhas) disappearing as classes can now be held online and thus, are dependent on computers and the Internet (Mascarenhas).
In the business world, the growth and development of technology produced amazing results, especially with the advancement of computers and the Internet. Employees who were too dependent on the use of paper clips, staplers, folders, and pens for filing and creation of simple reports now find they do not have to store a ton of papers and sift through them whenever they need specific files for client calls and meetings. With a desktop computer that can hold all office information, the need for other office supplies diminishes. On the other hand, even the desktop is becoming obsolete with the emergence of laptops, tablets, and notepads, among others, and employees can virtually bring the whole office with them during out of office meetings with clients. In addition, pending office work can now be done at home due to the mobility of the laptop devices (Mascarenhas).
All computers have their own hard drives that can be password-protected in order to ensure the computer security. However, with advancements in technology, instead of using physical drives for storing data, a recent technological innovation called the Cloud allows users to store information and important data to the cloud for easy retrieval. Thus, information becomes even more mobile. In connection with this, some computers now use biometrics as a method for protection and security, which captures an individual's voice, eye color, handprint, and other distinguishing features on file. With this technology, it is expected that instances of identity theft and password hacking will decline (Mascarenhas).
Even computer accessories are evolving. Traditional computer desktops come with keyboards, monitors, and mouse for easy navigation. As digital technology continues to advance, inventors began developing "virtual keyboards which eliminates the need for an actual keyboard." (Mascarenhas). Furthermore, monitors are also improving considering that new technology makes touch screen monitors and movement detection interfaces now.
One of the heavily used gadgets in the office is the telephone, and yet, even the use and its need in the office is changing. With the emergence of cell phones and intra-office communication gadgets for web conferencing, the need for landlines is showing signs of decline. Apart from cell phones, other technologies that facilitate communication easily among colleagues and businesses include email and chat facilities (Mascarenhas).
In the home front, there are also technological innovations that help improve the lives of humans. With the use of wireless security within the home, it would be easier for residents to divide their houses into regions; and because some security systems are built to sense leaks and furnace problems, among others, locating possible house problems is easier. According to reports, about 98% of alarms that set off come from homes with hardwired security systems (Mascarenhas). Thus, apart from difficulty in finding the specific wiring that caused the problem, minor electronic trips could easily set alarms off. Entertainment systems can also be connected to the security system, which facilitates easy monitoring and detection of activities within the house through devices that has internet capabilities. Another great innovation in the home involves the integration of "vibrations and audio sensors" in the security system, that detects and distinguishes between common motions and sounds as against sounds heard during actual break-ins.
With the many gadgets around, humans do not need a new one that they should carry around. Instead, with the use of smart phones, mobile phones can now have functionalities other than that of a mobile phone. Smart phones can act as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a digital camera, a video camera, a camera phone with built-in television, and GPS navigation capabilities. It also doubles as a device that can check personal and work emails, thus, further decreasing the functions of a desktop machine (Mascarenhas).
If there are smart phones, a truly exciting innovation at home is the smart home. Similar to a smart phone, a smart home allows individuals to control their electronic gadgets by just using their mobile device (Mascarenhas). In such cases, all gadgets and electronics within the house can be wired and connected to the mobile device such as the alarm systems, entertainment systems, computers, air conditioning units, and other appliances. With just a click on the mobile device, appliances can automatically turn on or off making life easier for humans.
One of the most awaited innovations yearly is technological advances in cars. The buzz is always on what car manufacturers plan to do to "make traffic congestion more bearable" (Brandon). At an LA car show in 2012, what got the most attention are the added capabilities of cars to "adjust the [car] suspension and enable to start [the] car using [one's] voice." (Brandon). Mercedes-Benz, for instance, introduced what they call the SUV of the future, which would utilize a new technology called "Terra-Scan technology scan the road ahead and adjust suspension accordingly" (Brandon). What makes this a widely anticipated feature is how the car will adjust based on road surface. Another innovation brought out by Toyota is the Rav4 apps it will introduce to the market that will allow Rav 4 car owners access to various apps such as "Bing search, movie ticket searches, and the iHeartRadio service" (Brandon).
Chevy also introduces the use of a voice application called Siri that allows iPhone users to speak to it. Users can ask "basic questions, find out about fuel prices, get directions, and send text messages" (Brandon). Kia Motors also joins the fray with improvements on its UVO system, also known as 'your voice'. The change that Kia introduces is the ability to select a speech profile so that the computer recognizes the owner's speech patterns. It also allows for reminders on when the owner last had his or her change oil, among others.
Finally, there is also the smart start capability that Viper will introduce. This application is compatible with the current Siri service, which allows car owners to start their cars with a voice prompt, similar to the voice recognition program that Chevy introduces. It also has capabilities to set "an automatic trigger to start the car at a certain low temperature and an alert if [owner leaves] car door open by mistake" (Brandon).
Technology is here to stay and will only continue to improve and grow in the coming years. To be able to take advantage of technology, people must ensure to equip themselves of the necessary tools and knowledge in operating these applications. In this fast changing age of innovation, things that used to make hug impacts on people's everyday lives vanish as new technologies are introduced which supposedly will help humans lead an easy life. On the other side, human lives become more complex with the introduction of various technologies. However, the importance of technology now cannot be undermined and no one can say that technology, as a whole, has not benefited society in general. Because of these technological innovations, the future of humanity looks even brighter and promising.
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