Technology has had many influences on various elements of life over the years. One of the periods that had a significant impact on the quality of life was during the industrial revolution. This period was very significant because it helped to create employment opportunities for people, which in turn triggered a demand for goods and services because people had money to spend (Robinson 60). The most notable technology that developed during that period was steam power that developed from fuels such as coal. This technology played a major role in influencing the emergence and speedy growth of crucial industries such as textile manufacturing. Another notable technology development during the period was the telegraph, an apparatus that people used in communicating at a distance over a wire (Robinson 71). This technology played a major role in influencing new ways of interaction and increasing productivity. It helped to save a lot of time that was otherwise being used by messengers used in delivering information. In return, the productivity of human resources increased because less time was used in waiting for work directly from the seniors.
The development of technology during the industrial revolution had a strong impact on society with regard to the stability of social development. Studies have established that the social, economic, and cultural elements of people’s lives experienced drastic negative impacts, mainly due to the increased settlement of people in cities and urban centers in search of employment (Robinson 96). Unfortunately, most urban centers where industries and factories were developing were not designed to support the high number of people that were already living there. This created a quagmire that both compromised the quality of life as well as the ability to achieve sustainable development. The development of technology also led to the development of a different view towards life, which sought to define people’s socioeconomic status depending on their material possessions (Robinson 103). The most important technology during the industrial revolution was the textile industry. The reason for this is that technology helped people to meet the basic needs. Apart from providing clothing, the industry contributed to economic empowerment through job creation. Through the money that people earned from working in the industry, they managed to buy food, as well as afford good housing and clothing (Robinson 117).
Works Cited
Robinson, Eric. Science and Technology in the Industrial Revolution. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2010. Print.