Recently, a perplexing discussion came up in one of my classes: for what, why, or whom, is technology created? Are our needs fulfilled by advancements in technology? Does technology shape our culture, or does our culture shape technology?
Steve Jobs said that "people don't know what they want until you show it to them." I find this true, because without showing someone the benefit of an invention, no one will use it. However, humans have needs and wants; to fulfill these needs and wants, we must find ways to fulfill them. Mathematics does not exist without some purpose; people do not count for the sake of counting.
Neither, then, does technology exist without purpose. As we are primates, we use tools. Yes, tools. Whether the tool is to fulfill a physical need or emotional need, they are all tools. Technology is a series of tools. Technology has existed since the ancient days of sharpened flint tied to the ends of stripped wood branches. As humans progress in their pursuit of advancing technology to fit needs and wants, the technology branches out in its scope, creating new needs and wants, new areas for improvement and fulfillment. Now we can communicate vast distances with each other, share opinions, become more connected. These are all emotional, social needs. They are fulfilled by communication technology. This is at the heart of technical communication. I say our culture shapes technology, but technology, as our culture shapes it, shapes culture just as much.
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