Technology
possesses a powerful capacity to reshape the user:
That is because of the lasting partnership exerted between the tool user and the implements she uses to accomplish a task and more importantly to earn a living or survive.
Since tool complexes can shape entire populations, the many consequences of the way devices and instruments alter our expectations include acclimation. People become accustomed to technological capabilities and may adjust everything from personal to political relations to accomodate effective continuing use of a valued tool or set of utensils.
Psychologically, behaviorally speaking, driving an automobile is the most complex psycho-motor function most people ever perform. Tools condition us as we use them.
Physically,mechanized and automated systemes (machine tools) reduced the differences in demonstrable strength between genders needed to run machinery. Yet, women are paid less than men to perform similar tasks.
Socially, technology redefines relations among people, railways, telephone, internet, cellular phones, cameras, radios, creating a sort of distance or gulf between people as users become ever more attached, if not intimate with their personal appliances.
Ethically, tools dictate decisions over prolonging or enabling life and hastening death. Genetically modified organisms and genetic engineering raise fears of miniature monsters.
Technology: A powerful capacity
