Updated Top 10 Inventions

Summary 

When selecting my 10 inventions for this assignment, I evaluated each according to

two factors on a scale of 1-10, explained below.

1.) Prevalence in society: For each invention, I evaluated the amount of immersion or

acceptance of the technological advancement in society. The reasoning behind this

was even if a invention was not groundbreaking, the fact that it has permeated

in all aspects of society must signal something about its influence on the world.

2.) Extent of which it enables societal functions: This factor was much more

subjective, as opposed to #1 which was more objective. After identifying each

Invention, I then rated each on how essential each was to the daily functioning or

creation of what is modern day society. For advances that play a crucial role to the

function of our society, it is only logical they were most likely a very influential

Inventions as well. 

Changes: The only change I computer in my top 10 list was changing the sewage system to plumbing. I feel plumbing more accurately captures the full benefits of the invention and offers my utilities and function than just the sewage system. More info is given in the video. 

1.) Computer 

What is it?

•Electronic computational device capable of difficult calculations

•Computes arithmetic and logical operations automatically as well as reprogrammed for a variety of functions

•Can connect to other devices through either internet or server network

•Used for both personal and business purposes

Prevalence: 10

Influence: 7

2.) Internet 

What is it?

•Global system of interconnected computers linking several billion devices

•Allows for worldwide communication and data sharing instantaneously

•Database for information, resources, and services that are publicly and freely available to anyone

•Enables computer, email, social media, chat, teleconferencing, and many other functions

Prevalence: 10

Influence: 8

3.)

What is it?

•Round object developed in ancient times

•Makes all modern travel faster, easier, and more convenient

•Paved the way for automobiles, planes, wheelbarrows, and anything with a wheel

Prevalence: 10

Influence: 9

4.) Electricity

What is it?

•Discovered in the 1600s by scientists William Gilbert

•Refers to the phenomenon of the movement of electrons and charged particles to release energy

•Rapid expansion and implementation revolutionized society, providing functions such as light, computation, heating, and communication

Prevalence: 10

Influence: 10

5.) Refrigeration

What is it?

•Process of which to move heat from one place to another, usually to cool certain areas.

•Allows for the preservation and transportation of food, expansion of settlement away from agriculture areas

•More effective at preservation of food, replacing smoking and salting, and allowing for less waste of edibles

Prevalence: 7

Influence: 8

6.) Plumbing

What is it?

•Evolving system involving the transportation, collection, treatment, and storage of liquids to households

•One of the main factors allowing for the urbanization and condensation of society and living space by providing water and removing waste

•Drastically reduced environmental waste and spread of diseases, improving human lifespan and societal cleanliness

Prevalence:9

Influence: 7

7.) Birth Control

What is it?

•Contraceptive drastically lowering the possibly of pregnancy and transmission of sexual diseases.

•Paved the way for sex as a social/safe activity as well as revolutionized the way society perceives and allows sex

•One of the main methods to control over population

Prevalence: 4

Influence: 6

8.) Currency

What is it?

•Expression of value in different forms of goods, whether material or electric

•Allowed for society to move out of bartering and better leveraging and storage of actual value goods.

•Paved the way for electronic forms of payment and associated functions (credit cards, checks, Apple Pay, Vemno, bonds, stocks)

Prevalence: 9

Influence: 8

9.) Assembly Line

What is it?

•Gained popularity during the industrial revolution

•Drastically improved speed and quality of which products could be produced, as well as lowering the costs

•Allowed for the creation of more and more complex items, such as computers, automobiles, and appliances

Prevalence: 2

Influence: 6

10) Automobile 

What is it?

•Self powered motor vehicle used for transportation or pleasure

•Owned by majority of population, critical to the expansion of society and development of suburban areas

•Major increase in power available to humans for many activities, such as moving, farming,

Prevalence: 10

Influence: 7