Leveraging Technology: Part 1

 

What is Technology?

When we talk technology, what are we referring to? The Merriam Webster dictionary defines technology as the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area. It also describes it as a capability given by the practical application of knowledge. It is also a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge.  The Collins dictionary introduces a scientific element by defining technology as referring to methods, systems and devices which are the result of scientific knowledge being used for practical purposes. It is also described as the application of practical sciences to industry or commerce. Another definition says it is the total knowledge and skills available to any human society for industry, art, science etc.

What this tells us is that technology has a lot to do with practical application of knowledge gained. When we apply the knowledge we have, we are able to come up with technologies which enable us do things better, faster or find whatever outcomes we are looking for.

Technology is what enables us develop machines whose brief is to make work easier for us. Whenever we use our scientific knowledge to achieve some specific purpose, we are using technology.

Types of Technology

There are different types of technology including

Mechanical technology which includes wheels, cams, levers, gears, belts and engines.  Things Involved with motion are considered mechanical.

Electronic technology-It uses electric circuits to achieve a goal. Anything that runs on electricity is electronic including computers, washing machines, phones etc.

Industrial and manufacturing technology-Its goal is to either produce a product on a large scale or performing another large scale function where customers are not directly present. Cars are created using mechanical robots for example which is highly advanced technology.

Medical technology-Serves the purpose of diagnosing, treating or preventing disease. Include MRI and CT Scanners, Ventilators among other machines.

Communications technology-involved in helping people get and keep in touch with each other.

Information technology-machines that process data and perform calculations at high speed known as computers, Networks-links that allow devices to share data,

Sensors-Devices that record data from their environment such as microphones.

Internet of things-The practice of embedding computers, sensors and networking capabilities into everyday objects such as infrastructure

Transport technology- e.g. high speed trains

Energy-Infrastructure such as solar panels

Agriculture-farm robots

Architecture-tech for buildings such as elevators or smart windows

Entertainment and Media-tools for consuming or producing entertainment and media.

Art and Music-devices such as music synthesizers for creating things of artistic value.

Appliances-technologies that are useful around the house

Clothing and accessories-technologies that go into clothing and fashion accessories such as watches.

Assistive technology-devices that improve the capabilities of people with disabilities such as a hearing aid.

Space technology-tech for exploring or commercializing space such as spacecraft or satellites.

Robotics-A class of machines with semi-autonomous capabilities that can handle certain tasks in real world conditions without direction

Artificial Intelligence-a technology that learns and self-improves.

What technology is relevant to your own situation?

With the extensive list above, what types of technologies are you using or do you need to use in your current station in life. Some tech is applicable across the board meaning that we all need to use it in running our daily lives. For a majority of us, Information and Communication technology is something we cannot afford to live without for long. However things like robotics are not applicable to everyone for one reason or another. The thing you need to be clear about is what type of technology you need in your life to make things easier for you and improve the quality of your life.

Why do people shy away from embracing  

technology/impediments? 

A lot of what I will share in this segment applies to senior citizens but can equally be a challenge to people in the third world or places where exposure to tech has been lower.

I begin with an interesting quote from Pauli Taylor-In the West, it seems more time is spent writing blogs worrying about the threat of AI than implementing AI to introduce better customer experiences. The big threat to our jobs isn’t actually AI, it’s our inability to move away from existing business models and to explore new ones.

Calestous Juma says in his article Why do people resist new technologies? History might provide the answer that society tends to reject new technologies when they substitute for rather than augment our humanity. We eagerly embrace them when they support our desire for inclusion, purpose, challenge, meaning and alignment with nature. We do so even when they are unwieldy, expensive, time consuming to use and constantly breakdown.

He goes on to say that resistance to new technologies is heightened when the public perceives that the benefits of new technologies will only accrue to a small section of society, while the risks are likely to be widespread. They are also resisted when the public perceives that the risks are likely to be felt in the short run and the benefits will only accrue in the long run.

Another impediment to embracing new tech identified by Calestous Juma is the existence of incumbent industries and vested interests who benefit from the status quo. Such will fight attempts to get things done better. Think from your perspective as an industry. Are you part of the incumbents reinforcing the status quo or are you the category that routes for a new way of doing things?

According to Eurostat in the EU, 87% of people aged 75 and above have never been online. For some in this age group because of a struggle with health conditions, they can’t use technologies which depend on their ability to see, hear and read.

The other challenge they face is the degree of knowledge about technology. A lack of sufficient knowledge makes people shy away from embracing new technologies especially seniors in the society. The problem has a lot to do with confidence which is lacking in this regard. You can buy new tools but if you don’t train your people on how to use them, it won’t amount to much.

Lack of perceived benefit or need. Teachers are not able to get certain devices, apps or tools to help in teaching sometimes because other educators don’t know or don’t want to understand the benefits or the possibilities of the tool. (Anne Glasel, 2018). Clarity also from the end of manufacturers o the benefits of the product would go a long way in helping embrace it.

Big gap in technology-too much and too complex technology cuts off those who cannot keep up.

Negative feelings about social Media alongside bad experiences either from them or others.

Fear of the unknown/fears about internet safety which are genuine fears people grapple with. Some people will not shop online because of the undue exposure of their private data. With many data breaches, people do not want to fall victim to the next one because of something they could have avoided.

The cost of acquiring new technologies could also cut some people off-Premium gadgets come with a premium price tag.

The genuine fear of breaking up devices you don’t know how to handle can keep you from engaging them.

The power of habit also inhibits people from embracing new technologies. Sometimes it feels like a massive disruption to their lives to introduce something new into their routine. A similar problem applies even in places of work. Once you are used to working a certain way, you are resistant to a new way of doing things. Do you find this being an impediment for you?

Lack of supporting infrastructure can also be an impediment. Who wants tablets when the internet connection is poor at best? What is the use of computers when there is no power to keep them running? We have to make it easy for people to use our tools by ensuring there are as few impediments as possible.

People don’t want to put in the time to learn how to use new tech. It takes some learning to familiarize yourself with new tech and many people will not want to invest that kind of time especially when they think their lives are just fine as is.

A perception of lack of social interaction and communication.  

From a company perspective, fears of job insecurity and redundancy has kept many HR departments from embracing new technology quickly.

In the second part of this two step series, I will explore the benefits of embracing technology, the disadvantages of resisting it and how you can make it work for you. Be sure to check in next week so you do not miss out on what we have to share. 

How has technology helped you in life? feel free to share with us in the comments below. 

Are you a technophobe(fear) or a technophile(love) or somewhere in between?