What is tech·nol·o·gy?

Technology takes on many definitions depending on whom you ask and in what context. Some like to say it (technology) is “only a tool.” In fact, by inserting this phrase as a Google search more than 39,000 hits populate. As I look through pages, I see this phrase mentioned in the same lines as “innovative,” “visionary,” and “profoundly changed.”

Others speak of technology in terms of a paradigm shift. Thomas Kuhn refers to this as an idea that fundamentally changes life, as we know it; our culture is forever changed. For the purpose of this reflection, technology is “any device, artifact, or process by which the natural or social world is modified to satisfy and extend human needs and capabilities. (Thurlow et al, 2004, pg. 25)” With this in mind, one may ask where these ideas evolve. Does technology affect culture or does culture dictate the direction of technology? I would contend that powerful ideas stimulate the direction of our culture.

Modern-day timekeeper
Take, for instance, Postman’s example of how the modern day clock evolved. Its use was to direct the community to designate worshiping times every sixty minutes (Postman, 1992, pg. 24). By having the clock, man structured their life, or day, around specific times of worship. It continues to change daily routines. Postman says, “Tools are not integrated into the culture; they attack the culture. They bid to become the culture. As a consequence, tradition, social mores, myth, politics, ritual, and religion have to fight for their lives. (Postman, pg. 28)”Imagine not having a watch or a clock to refer to for a day. Would you survive or would it throw off your structured life?

Thinking outside the box
Technology, in whatever form, evolves from innovative thinking. Just this past week, I journeyed back to the Midwest. More than one hundred years ago, this would require a horse or maybe a train if I were lucky. Fortunately, I was able to trade half of one day to an airline, which required a connection in a highly congested airport – Chicago’s O’Hare. On my way to Chicago, I read Time’s recent issue, which highlighted ten powerful ideas that will change the way we live (Stengel, 2008, pg.6). Each idea touches some form of technology, to include this magazine as reminded by Richard Stengel, Time’s managing editor. These are all paradigm shifts influencing and transforming lives, cultures, and societies. It amazes me to think someday future generations will not understand what a telephone was used for because it will not exist. Just like many have never seen a typewriter. For many, they have only used a computer.

As I walked through the airport, people fascinated me. Many were on cell phones, listening to iPods, or using laptops. As I made a stop to the restroom, I was able to use a toilet that automatically flushed and had a seat-liner that I could use by the push of a button. Is this all for the convenience of man? On the other hand, are we just that lazy? Makes one wonder where these ideas come from. Either way is fine for me. I made my connection and landed safe and sound thanks to air traffic controllers monitoring planes in the sky.

What’s next?
So where do we go from here? The wonderful thing about technology is the sky is the limits. We do not know where we are going but the ride will definitely be fun. Our children will continue to play with Legos and, in years to come, will take their creativity to the next limit. Our role is to encourage the journey to take place, challenge the ideas, push the limits, and enjoy the ride.




REFERENCES


Postman, N. (1992) Technopoly: The surrender of culture to technology. New York. Vintage Books.


Stengel, R. (2008, March 24) The power of ideas. Changing the world requires innovative thinking. How 10 novel concepts are transforming the way we live. Time, 171, 6.


Thurlow, C., Lengel, L., & Tomic, A. (2004) Computer mediated communication: Social interaction and the internet. London. SAGE Publications Ltd.

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