Interaction of Technology and Humans

Human needs and desires determine which new tools are developed.

• Technology has changed the way people live and work.

• Various tools can improve daily tasks and quality of life.

• Societal needs and wants determine which new tools are developed to address real-world problems.

• A new tool may have favorable or unfavorable results as well as both positive and negative effects on society.

• Technology spurs new businesses and careers.

• Economic, political, social, and cultural aspects of society drive development of new technological products, processes, and systems.

• Technology interacts with society, sometimes bringing about changes in a society’s economy, politics, and culture, and often leading to the creation of new needs and wants.

• New needs and wants may create strains on local economies and workforces.

• Improvements in technology are intended to make the completion of tasks easier, safer, and/or more efficient.

• Decisions to develop new technology are driven by societal and cultural opinions and demands that differ from culture to culture.

• Changes caused by the introduction and use of a new technology can range from gradual to rapid and from subtle to obvious, and can change over time. These changes may vary from society to society as a result of differences in a society’s economy, politics, and culture.