Is Technology Outwitting Humans?

What is the limit of technology? In the simplest terms possible, technology is the collection of all the means, tools, and procedures utilized in the creation of new products or services or in the successful accomplishment of previously determined goals, like scientific research. The total scope of technology is known by the disciplines of technology studies, technology planning, and technology deployment. This is a very broad definition, and while there are limits to technology, it is also not beyond the reach of human endeavor. Let's look at some of the key areas where we see technology limitation.

One way to think about the limits of technology is to consider the definition of technology itself. The definition states that technology is capable of being improved, can be modified, and can be implemented in new or different ways. It also defines technology as an abstract idea or system that can be applied in new situations. In this way, technology can become as elastic as the user.

Because technology is always changing, this also means that no set yardstick can be used to determine when technology has actually surpassed the boundaries of what is reasonable to call technology. While we have been able to build airplanes that can take-off from a flat surface and hover within Earth's atmosphere, we still have a long way to go before aircraft are able to go from point A to point B without crashing. Even with the latest and greatest cell phones and laptops, sending and receiving data over the Internet is still considered to be somewhat complicated. And while a robotic android might be able to accomplish those tasks, technology as a whole is still very much an enigma.

Beyond the boundaries of human capability, technology becomes an ever expanding field. Computers became a significant part of our lives, even if most people did not realize it at the time. Today's computers, which are themselves often called "the machine," are often used to handle every aspect of our lives, from financial dealings to international business to military operations.

The pace of technology is also increasing, which makes it harder for humans to keep up. Just because technology is growing at an alarming rate does not mean, however, that it is beyond the control of humans. As previously mentioned, the technology has already surpassed all reasonable limits. Humans can still build planes that can take off and land on the moon; they can create high-tech prosthetic arms that replace the hands and legs of disabled individuals; they can even design computers with human brains. All of these technologies are now within the reach of just about anyone who is willing to take the time to study and implement their usefulness.

The only thing that human beings do have that technology does not yet provide is the ability to travel faster than the speed of light. Though theoretically, this might be done in a technologically advanced future, scientists believe that it is simply not possible. The speed limit of the speed of light is actually one of the major limitations of technology, because no one knows exactly how to go faster than the speed of light.

As time goes by, technology will become more developed, allowing people to explore outer space, discover new worlds, send people to the moon and Mars, and create faster, more efficient vehicles for travel. It will become easier for people to live their lives better. But will technology eventually render human life obsolete? That seems to be a matter of when. Right now, there are several technologies that have been developed that will make life much easier for the average person. There are also many things that scientists and futurists are currently working on to further improve the quality of human life.

If scientists could stop researching technology for a few years, they would have discovered cure for most common diseases and also create super power weapons. And as far as the future is concerned, we can only be certain as to what technology will produce. Will the human race survive using such technology? It is possible that technology will leave the human race irrelevant, but it is also very likely that human beings will utilize the fruits of technology for their benefit and create even greater wealth. Only time will tell.