Technology is an umbrella term encompassing many of the possible developments that take place in technology today. The total sum of technology in human society amounts to tens of thousands of new advances every year. Technological change occurs for many different reasons; changing the fundamental makeup of how information is processed by machines, for example. Technological progress may be the result of society pushing toward more advanced technology, or it may be the product of advancing scientific knowledge.

Technology is the collective set of techniques, skills, and procedures used in the creation of products or services, or in the achievement of specific goals, including scientific research. In the broadest sense, technology can be viewed as a system of practices and materials that enable individuals and organizations to interact with each other and with the physical world in new ways. Over time, the impact of technology on society has produced remarkable changes, sometimes dramatically. Examples include the development of automobiles, computers, communications technology, medical devices, and the Internet. Technological change often brings with it social and political change, sometimes in a rapid succession.

Technological change is creating a multitude of opportunities and threats for humankind. The rapid pace of technological change is changing the definition of private and public society, the nature of work, the distribution of resources, and the overall scope of human activity. Technological change may not seem inevitable, but it is shaping the very foundation of society, as well as the future of the global economy.

Technological change is intimately connected to social change. Technological change facilitates or inhibits social change. For example, the spread of information technology throughout the world, whether through electronic books, radios, televisions, and the like, may have a marked effect on the ways people think about the world around them. Changes in media have also contributed to and strengthened democratic governments. Similarly, the widespread availability of the Internet and other forms of technology may well be contributing to increased levels of international communication and cooperation, and to the creation of international organizations and networks that were otherwise difficult to manage.

Technological change has also impacted the relationship between individuals and the information and culture industries. Social interaction has become difficult to monitor due to the nature of the Internet. In fact, many Internet users are unaware of the privacy statements that accompany e-mail attachments. As a result, the ability to accurately and confidentially transmit sensitive data is being threatened by both deliberate and unintentional means. The increasing sophistication of computer code and the widespread availability of Internet resources make the potential for malicious intrusions into computer systems greater than ever before.

Technological change also impacts the distribution of knowledge and information. Increasingly, the Internet, television, and radio are increasingly providing personalized information. Personal computers and mobile devices are providing more opportunities for distributed learning. In fact, the Internet has even made some aspects of scientific research more disseminate, including such areas as solar systems, cosmology, astronomy, and particle physics.

Technological change is playing a substantial role in society. It affects nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Just consider how much money people spend on televisions, computers, cell phones, and other technologies each day. The impact of technology on society extends far beyond its impact on specific technological items. Technological change can have a significant impact on society in general.

Technology has made the world a much more dynamic place. However, changes in technology have often led to unforeseen consequences. Technological change may be poised to usher in a new era of technological disruption. It has already caused many changes and will undoubtedly result in more. A look back into the history of technology reveals a history of tremendous change and transition.