Technology has undergone tremendous advancements over the last couple of decades, and these days we live more independently with it than in any other time in history. How is it that technology has managed to evolve over the years, particularly at such a rapid pace? It can be hard to fathom a world where we don’t coexist with technology, and for many, having constant access to services and being in close communication with other people in the world is a form of a safety blanket that they don’t want to live without. Let’s explore the evolution of technology further, discussing the past, present and where it seems to be headed in the future.
The Evolution Of Technology Over The Years
The Role of Technology in Our Lives
Technology plays three different primary roles in our lives. Firstly, it acts as a simplifier, making day-to-day life easier and allowing us to be more efficient with our time. This is somewhat debatable thanks to the introduction of social media, which is considered a time-waster of sorts, but regardless, innovations in products and services are largely tied to the idea of simplifying life wherever possible. Secondly, and perhaps more closely linked to social media, technology acts as a companion. Many people around the world are lonelier than ever, and technology can be a great unifier, especially in trying times like recently, where the world is under lockdown. Newer generations don’t even consider phones to be phones, but rather, life companions. Lastly, technology is also a great educator. It gives us daily access to our questions, while also helping to bring new ways of educating future generations all over the globe
How The Past Shaped Technology Today
We can’t talk about the rise of technology without talking about the 1990’s and the early beginnings of the internet. At the start, it wasn’t as widely adopted, and many of us will have memories of dial up modems and doing our first online searches. As more people started seeing the commercial value of the internet, things started to generate pace a lot quicker than we could have ever imagined. Applications like MSN Messenger and AOL dominated what can now be considered the early means of connecting people from all over the world, and from there, international opportunities started to emerge. Simply put, the internet has a major role with how technology affects our lives, largely thanks to its widespread use.
How The Past Shaped Technology Today
Technology in The Present
Just over two decades on from the start of the internet, things have changed tremendously, and you’d be hard fought not to find good wifi when you visit any of the major cities around the world. We also live in a time where you can work remotely from anywhere in the world, be it at home or a coffee shop, and you still have access to everything you need to be able to do your job effectively. Technology is simplifying the way we earn money and the way we spend our money. In 2020, it’s possible to order any items you can think of and have it delivered straight to your doorstep. This was a pipe dream back in the 90’s and we are now living this reality.
