When people think of the word "technology" they usually have a pretty narrow definition. They associate it with things like computers, microwaves, cars, etc. Another way to think of technology is any man made object that serves a function. So technology is not just electronic "techy" stuff, its everywhere; cups for holding liquid, door handle mechanisms, hammers and nails, medicine, etc. In a sense beaver dams are beaver technology and ant farms are ant technology when we expand the definition of technology to basicly meaning manipulating the environment for some functional benefit. I would even count language (particularly written) as a sort of abstract technology under this refined definition, a phenomena that allowed both an increase in idea development and sped technology growth as a result.
Before we evolved as a species into modern man, the only technology we had were basic things like stone tools. As we evolved as a species and as a society of intelligent beings, our combined understanding of the world allowed us to manipulate the environment and things in complex ways for our own benefits. This no doubt speeded our evolution as a species. Now in this day and age, technology is evolving at such a pace that out interactions between it and us are becoming ever more complex. I have no doubt that in most reader's lives, the sort of technology we see will be mind boggling to the extent that many people will hate it (just like the ageing generation seem to hate computers, etc). It will impact on our daily lives more than ever.
Older people actually use the word "scared" about everyday technology. They are scared that if they press the wrong button somthing really bad will happen. But people shouldn't be scared about everyday technology. Like I said we have been using technology for millions of years and the only difference today is the complexity of the interaction. I guess it will be up to designers to make sure that the technophobes don't go mad, and the pace dosn't becomes unbearable, by helping design technology that is fun, useful, easy to use and learn, and inspiring. The fact is technology growth isn't just going to stop - bar a nuclear holocaust or global warming, which will stop not only technology but our species itself - so we might as well start learning to get along with it.
Besides everyday technology, I'm starting to think the only way we will save the planet from the threat of global warming is through massive advances in technology, otherwise we could be in trouble if the predictions are correct. I personally try to remain opptomistic about the possibility. Many people including experts say its too late, because the problem is too big now let alone in 10 years. The thing is very few people really understand how rapidly accelerating the technology curve is. I don't have a technological solution to stopping (even reversing) global warming, but I do believe science has answers. Most importantly whilst the powers of the planet are huge the powers of technology may become more so sooner than we might think.
