Technology is the collection of knowledge, tools, methods, and systems that enable humans to control their environment. The word is derived from the Greek technologia, which means “craftsmanship,” but has come to mean more broadly, the artful use of anything. Technological developments, from the prehistoric discovery of fire to today’s satellites and rockets, have expanded the human ability to manipulate the world around them.

A key characteristic of technology is that it must prioritize certain paths over others. In order to efficiently route people’s finite energy and attention, a technology must endorse some ends over others. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is important to keep in mind that technologies inevitably displace other routes and ends. As an example, when digital cameras became popular, they deprioritized the pathway of analogue photography, with its inefficient and gratifying workflows and painstaking culture of physically retouching photographs for hours at a time.

The development and application of technology has a significant impact on improving the quality of life for individuals and societies. Examples of technological advancements include healthcare, communication, transportation, and education.

Another important feature of technology is that it can be used in a variety of different ways to increase productivity. For instance, you can use various tools to manage your emails and reminders such as Boomerang or Headspace. However, it is important to make sure that you are using the right technology and in the right way.