The world is getting smaller and smaller, but it's still 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. Technology dates back to the first manipulations of materials to aid human survival. There are many definitions of technology, John D. Carl describes technology by stating: "it deals with the creation, use and application of knowledge and its relationship to life, society and the environment” (Carl, JD, 2011, p. 301). For the purposes of this article, any instrument, 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 rapidly evolving. 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 global economy. Technology has many advantages and, like any tool, it has disadvantages. Misuse and overuse create an unsavory addiction. This addiction can have detrimental effects on people, businesses and education. The technology is widely criticized for reducing face-to-face interactions. Although today's information technologies are largely considered impersonal, they promote communication; Technology reduces costs and optimizes productivity by facilitating access to information and knowledge, and increasing interaction between those using the 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...... middle of paper ......tabase http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=9410256181&site=eds-live}Han, K. and Mithas, S. (2013). Information technology outsourcing and non-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 information technology reduce costs? NBER Digest, 4-5. Retrieved December 10, 2013 from Pubmed database http://www.nber.org/digest/oct01/w8359.html