Technologies significantly affect humans and other animal species ‘ ability to control and adapt to their natural environment. The human species is the use of technology began with the conversion of natural resources into simple tools. Prehistorical discovery of the ability to control fire increased the resources available food and the discovery of the wheel helped humans in travelling in and controlling their environment.
Recent technological developments, including print, telephone and 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 increasingly destructive weapons of power has evolved throughout history, from clubs to nuclear weapons.
Technology has affected society and surroundings in some way. In many societies, technology has helped develop more advanced economies (including today’s global economy) and has allowed the emergence of first class comfort. 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 affects society’s values and new technology often raises ethical questions. For example, the emergence of the notion of efficiency in terms of human productivity, a term which originally applied only to machines, and challenges traditional norms.