13 Forces That Shape Technology

John Spacey, updated on May 09, 2016

Technology is driven by a number of fundamental forces that haven't changed that much since computing took off in the mid-1940s. Many of these forces are renamed each decade according to the trends and buzzwords of the day. The following are persistent and intractable forces of technological change.

Domestication Of Technology

Initially, new technologies are shaped by engineers. In the long term, technology is shaped by consumers.

Sensors

A wide range of sensors are integrated into technology including things such as cameras, global positioning system units, altimeters, accelerometers, proximity sensors and gyroscopes.

Pervasive Computing

Computing is integrated with more and more things.

Datafication

Technology such as sensors produce an ever increasing mountain of data. Governments and organizations attempt to use this data.

Miniaturization Of Technology

Technology gets smaller.

Commoditization Of Technology

Technology gets faster, better and cheaper.

Automation

Work and decisions are automated.

Applications

People think of new applications for technology that can result in sudden and dramatic change to industries, markets, the environment, communities, governments, transportation, energy, entertainment, quality of life and society.

Software Complexity

Software becomes more complex requiring new techniques such as higher level languages and software that learns and self-improves.

Engagement

People become engaged with technology for longer hours and in more depth to the point that it is becomes difficult to function without it.

Integration

Technologies and data are integrated.

Information Security Threats

Crime and warfare shift into electronic domains.

Cultural Lag

Societies and their institutions such as legal systems are slow to adapt to technological change resulting in a period of maladjustment. Societies are also slow to manage new risks generated by technology, potentially resulting in a progress trap or existential risk.