The world is getting smaller, but it remains full of possibilities thanks in part to technology. Interestingly, the very first emails could only be sent to someone using two computers, literally side by side. The technology dates back to the earliest manipulations of materials to aid human survival. There are many definitions of technology, John D. Carl describes technology by stating that it "deals with the creation, use, and application of knowledge and its interrelationship with life, society, and the environment" (Carl, J.D., 2011, p. 301). For the purposes of this document, any tool, invention, or method that influences and enables people to control or adapt to their environment is technology. With the increasing availability of technological tools (smartphones, text messaging, image scanning, email and social media), communication is changing rapidly. Society has moved beyond the industrial age and entered the information age, where the sharing of knowledge and ideas is the new engine of power and the world economy. Technology has many advantages and, like any tool, has disadvantages. Abuse and overuse create an unpleasant addiction. This dependency can have negative effects on people, businesses and education. The technology receives widespread criticism for reducing face-to-face interactions. Although today's computer technology is widely considered impersonal, it promotes communication; Technology reduces costs and leverages productivity by facilitating access to information and knowledge and increasing interaction between those who use technology. According to John D. Carl, “systems are considered technologies; [and] new systems offer similar opportunities and changes that new objects could bring” (Carl, JD, 2011, p.301). Re...... half of the document ......tabase http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=9410256181&site=eds-live}Han, K. and Mithas, S. (2013). IT outsourcing and extra-it operating costs: An empirical investigation. MIS Quarterly, 37(1), 315-331. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from EBSCO database http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=85634454&site=eds-live}, Lee, PLVCT ( 2011). Internet communication and face-to-face interaction in quality of life. Social Indicators Research, 100(3), 375-389. doi: 10.1007/s11205-010-9618-3 Retrieved December 3, 2013, from EBSCO database http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=heh&AN=56788265&site=eds-live},Nesvisky, M. ( 2013). Does health IT reduce costs? NBER Digest, 4-5. Retrieved December 10, 2013 from Pubmed database http://www.nber.org/digest/oct01/w8359.html