Technology is an important part of daily life. From smartphones and wearable devices to augmented reality and virtual reality, it plays a significant role in our society. Nevertheless, the development and implementation of new technologies have the potential to create negative impacts. It is therefore important to assess the impact of different technological advances and understand their uses.
The ubiquity of technology today has increased pressure on technologists to develop products and services that not only improve human welfare but also benefit the planet. This includes creating incentives for global cooperation and addressing sustainability challenges.
Technologists have also begun to take a critical look at how they can better engage with policymakers. New Luddites have sought to mitigate the societal impacts of technological change. However, traditional drivers of public policy are still relevant, such as the politics of harmonization and path dependency.
The development of technology is usually a step-by-step process. Although this may sound simple, it can be a complex undertaking, especially when it comes to designing and manufacturing new technologies.
In addition to the usual scientific and technical knowledge, technologists also need to learn about systems thinking and effective communication. Additionally, they need to consider the social and cultural implications of their work.
A variety of international organizations play a role in developing rules and norms related to technology. One example is the International Organization for Standardization.
The study of the internet of things has also become a distinct field of research. Other notable inventions include the Global Positioning System (GPS), which allows users to track locations in real time, and the smart watch, which offers biometric data monitoring and alerts.