Meaning and usages of "short circuit" as a verb

Question

What is the meaning of "short circuits" as a verb in the following sentence:

Technology short circuits this thinking by making the problems obsolete.

Is this use formal and where it can be used?

Note: This post is based on a specific context and is not a general answer.

Answer 1

I believe it means "cuts off", or "removes the need for", i.e. technology means that we don't have to think in such a way as often.

I regard it as rather informal. In polite speech, I would simply opt for the slightly long-winded "removes/reduces the need for".