In this modern era, of course we are familiar with the term “technology“. Many of us interpret technology narrowly, which is only limited to tools or machines that are connected to electricity. Whereas in fact technology is a variety of purposes and various forms of equipment or systems that function to provide comfort and convenience for humans. Through this understanding, we can also interpret that a pencil is also a technology.
Over time, technology continues to change. This change is certainly based on human needs that are constantly changing. In this article, I will discuss technological developments from the beginning of human life to the present day.
1. Prehistoric technology
Prehistory is a period where humans lived before knowing writing. Maybe we often hear about the story of the discovery of fire by ancient humans. Fire is one of the first technological inventions of humans in this era But man’s first discovery was not fire, but stone tools. In accordance with what Mark Moore, an archaeologist from the University of New England Armidale, Australia, has used, humans have made rocks to facilitate their daily life since 3.2 million years ago. In this day and age, humans tend to utilize the technology they have created for their own interests.
2. Ancient technology
Ancient times here meant is the era after prehistory before the Middle Ages. This era is vulnerable for a long time, including the era of ancient civilizations, and others. So many of the first discoveries which form the basis for further discoveries are found in this era. Human civilization is developing rapidly. An example is the Ancient Egyptian civilization that we are familiar with pyramid. Even plastic surgery techniques have been found basically at this time. Humans began to make technology for mass purposes, such as ships and buildings. At this time humans also already know writing. Found historical relics contained writings.
3. Medieval technology
According to some sources, the Middle Ages were around the 5th century BC to the 15th century BC. One thing that we can highlight the development of technology at this time is in terms of art. At this time, many new arts emerged. When viewed from the geographical side, the European continent is the king at this time. The development of technology was almost all spearheaded by Europeans. Science began to develop rapidly, with the discovery of mathematical formulas and physical theories. In this era of exploration also began to be common. So that a compass can be found at this time.
4. Industrial revolution technology
The increasing number of people signifies the demand for life needs more and more. Technology at this time was found in the form of machines that have mass production capabilities. Technological developments at this time also changed the social behavior of the people there. Actually there is no specific time period for the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution first occurred in the 17th – 18th centuries. The industrial revolution was marked by major changes in almost every side of its human life, which of course can not be separated from technology. Now, we are preparing to face the industrial revolution 4.0.
5. The development of 20th century technology (now)
Technology is no longer helping humans to meet their needs. Technology began to be created to pamper humans, to be a social symbol. For example a car. The beginning of the creation of a car is to speed up humans to travel long distances. Logically, the things needed to make a car according to its main purpose are tires, fuel, and engines. But now we can see, cars are not only a means of transportation. With all the advanced features in it, the car seems to be an indicator of one’s social status. One more example of technology that is not really needed by humans, but only to pamper humans is an online shopping system. Humans can still shop without an internet connection, but with an online shopping system, humans seem to be spoiled.
Those are some of the developments in technology. If we look at the pattern, the longer, technology not only helps human life. But slowly began to shift and replace human life. Like replacing labor with machines. As long as human civilization still exists, technology will continue to develop. For this reason, in order not to be inferior to technology, we as humans who live in the era of advanced technology must be able to control existing technology.