Advancements in Communication
Around 500,000 BCE, humans began communicating through spoken language. This development allowed them to convey complex ideas and share information within their tribes. Around 30,000 years ago, humans developed symbols which enabled them to communicate through cave paintings, carvings, and other visual representations.
Communication remained written for thousands of years. Then, in 1450, Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the movable-type printing press revolutionized the way written communications were enabled and distributed. It made books more accessible, lowered costs, and facilitated the spread of knowledge. By 1500, book prices had dropped significantly, and literacy rates increased.
In 1814, Friedrich Koenig introduced the steam-powered printing press which significantly increased the speed at which printed products could be produced. The Times of London adopted it, boosting circulation by printing at least 1,100 pages per hour.
But there were still physical limitations to the reach of printed communications. It still required significant amounts of time for news reports, books, and letters to make their ways across the country and to other areas of the world.
The age of instant communication was born in 1838 when Samuel Morse and others developed the telegraph – an invention that transformed long-distance communication for the rest of time. Electrical signals transmitted over wires allowed near-instantaneous messaging between stations. By 1861, Western Union had laid twelve thousand miles of telegraph cable across the United States.
The nineteenth century witnessed further and far more rapid technological change. Extensive railway and telegraph networks connected distant places. News began to travel faster — reaching people in hours instead of days or weeks.
And now we have internet that enables instant, international communication. Social media platforms allow rapid sharing of information, photos, and videos. Undersea fiber optic cables span nearly 750,000 miles, facilitating our interconnected world. Instant communications, facilitated by the Internet and wireless technology, have profoundly transformed society in various ways.
The Internet has connected people across the globe, transcending geographical barriers. It enables individuals to communicate, collaborate, and share information instantly, fostering a sense of global community. Contrary to fears raised about isolation amongst the world’s world’s peoples, studies show that the Internet greatly increases sociability. People engage in online interactions while maintaining offline relationships. Social networking sites allow users to connect with like-minded individuals, intensifying family and friendship bonds.
The Internet provides access to a vast amount of digitized information. It empowers personal growth amongst individuals with knowledge, educational resources, and opportunities. Instant messaging, email, and social media platforms facilitate efficient communication for both personal and business purposes. Communication barriers related to distance have been significantly reduced.
With all that said, there are a few negative effects that have risen in recent years. Increased connectivity raises concerns about privacy, data breaches, and cyber threats. Users must navigate the balance between sharing information and protecting their personal data. Excessive use of instant communication tools can also lead to addiction and the spread of pornography — negatively affect mental health. Propaganda and fake news pollute the messaging.
But the positives significantly outweigh the negatives. Global instant communications offer immense benefits and address challenges in society. If we all become responsible users and educate others on the safe use of instant communication, the disadvantages can be navigated successfully. Maintaining a balance between online and offline life is crucial.
The advancements in communication have allowed creators such as ourselves to collaborate on various projects with this book Inspirations being the perfect example. From opposites of the world we share our life experiences and beliefs to be able to inspire others. We as authors have explored innovative communication techniques in our novel Adam in Taoland with the use of electronic wristbands. Swish is our version of smart phones. With Swish our characters can contact anyone and access a plethora of information using voice command.
Later, in our second book, Adam returns to his homeland of Novana where he experiences culture shock when he finds himself in a new civilization that is only 1000 years old. In Galtland, this new part of Novana, communication techniques are primitive at best. Luckily a species called the Esoti use special magical trees to communicate with each other across the distances. Communication via these trees becomes vital as Adam takes on the AI robots, the Plakerols, in his attempts to liberate his people.
From tribal speech to transatlantic cables to the ‘cloud,’ our communications journey has been shaped by innovation — connecting humanity across time and space. We look to the future with hope and excitement to see what further advancements come next.
