Linking Efficient Transportation Infrastructure, Digital Technologies And Well-Being
Technology is the total collection of any human ways, practices, and methods used in the creation of services or products or in the achievement of specific goals, for instance scientific research. Technological change occurs with such rapidity that it often results in new and vastly improved systems being developed. New systems tend to be better able to perform certain functions better than older systems. They also tend to do a job that an older technology was unable to do. The development of new systems is one of the largest developments in human society since the industrial revolution.
The development of new knowledge and the improvement of knowledge produces a number of important changes in society. Technological systems are generally designed to produce a higher standard of living through greater efficiency at work, reduced costs in resources, and an ability to match or exceed the performance of older systems. The accumulation of technological know-how can also drive social change. Technological systems, through the accumulation of scientific knowledge, can help solve problems, create incentives, and even redistribute wealth.
One example of a technology that has changed how humans interact with each other and with the rest of the world includes information technology. This encompasses such things as communication technologies, including computer networks, digital equipment, personal computers, and other electronic devices, digital information, telecommunications, video, and other information-gathering and delivery systems, and non-traditional physical activity such as motion pictures, audio visual, digital publishing, and various other forms of electronic media. The accumulation of technological know-how, furthermore, has given rise to a number of industries and occupations that were previously considered unskilled labor, such as programmers, designers, engineers, machine operators, security professionals, medical technicians, web developers, and other IT support specialists.
In order for information technology to be successful in its given field of endeavor, it must employ a number of different strategies in order to gain the broadest possible reach. In doing so, however, this strategy should include the primary objective of enhancing the quality of life for all people, both individuals as well as society in general. Technology’s impact on society as a whole, therefore, cannot be ignored. With the advent of the internet, more people are now able to access and share increasing amounts of information across wide distances-thus, stimulating a positive environmental effect as well. In fact, there has been extensive research conducted on the environmental impact of information technology across many different societal factors.
A number of factors are involved when considering the environmental impact of digital technologies. The first is that of wastefulness, which is commonly attributed to information technology and communication technology usage. Another factor is that of the disposal or recycling of certain waste products. Recycling efforts for instance, have led to the formation of thousands of new jobs across many different industries, as well as the creation of new economic sectors such as environmental technology. Another major factor driving wastefulness and the negative environmental impact of digital technologies is the inappropriate disposal of electronic devices and e-waste.
The above factors clearly demonstrate that there is a clear link between wastefulness and the environmental state of affairs, as well as the quality of life. While it may not be possible for any government or social institution to comprehensively address wastefulness and its various ramifications, social scientists and concerned parties can implement a number of measures intended to mitigate the harmful effects of wastefulness and digital technologies on the overall well-being. A major step towards such a goal would be the adoption of a culture of care by civil society and other relevant stakeholders. This would entail a significant increase in awareness and understanding about the importance of waste management. Such actions will then serve to build an evidence-based basis for effective policy interventions and practices aimed at achieving greater sustainability in community development and environment management.