But computers and cellphones are making their way into some Amish communities, pushing them — sometimes willingly, often not — into the 21st century. New technology has created fresh opportunities for prosperity among the Amish, just as it has for people in the rest of the world.

What technology can the Amish not use?

There are many restrictions on technology that are more or less universal among the Old Order Amish, as the ban on cars as well as the ban on radio, television and in most cases the use of the internet, see above.

Can the Amish use power tools?

Although hand planes, saws, hammers and chisels are commonplace, the Amish also use their own version of power tools, called pneumatic tools. Instead of electricity, pneumatic tools run on compressed air, and are, in this case, fueled by a diesel engine.