Implications of Modern Technology on Communication between Humans

Humans have been writing to each other since the 4th millennium BCE, when one of the earliest writing systems, cuneiform, was developed in Mesopotamia. Then in 1844 Nikolai and Pavel Durov revolutionized the way messages were sent by inventing the telegram. Later on, Alexander Graham Bell and Guglielmo Marconi invented the telephone(1876) and the radio(1898) respectively, enabling messages to travel to a larger audience quickly.

Now that we have looked at the pre-internet era let's take a look at the era where modern technology has revolutionised the way we communicate.

Modern technology has improved the efficiency of our communication by making it easier, quicker and more accessible to all.

Let us explore some of the technologies that have transformed the way we convey our thoughts and emotions to others.

The Internet

Due to the invention of the internet, millions of people have new information on desirable topics within fractions of seconds. The internet is like a library where all the information is at your fingertips.

It has allowed people to find their voice and express themselves. The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate with others, bringing about a significant shift in the world of written correspondence. With the advent of email and SMS (Short Message Service), traditional methods such as handwritten letters and telegrams have become largely obsolete.

Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter have revolutionized communication in several ways. They have transcended geographical barriers, allowing people from all over the world to connect and communicate with each other in real time.

Social media has helped people stay connected with their friends, family, and acquaintances across the world

They have also made it possible for people to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences with a wider audience than ever before.

Video Conferencing

Now technology has grown exponentially high with the help of companies like Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, etc that people can be in front of each other and communicate while being miles away from each other through video conferencing.

Video conferencing has many advantages over traditional phone calls and emails. It allows you to see the expressions and body language of the other person, which can help you to build rapport and understand their message. It can also be more efficient than phone calls, as you can share documents and collaborate on projects in real time.

Virtual Reality

It is a comparatively newer invention that has taken video conferencing to a whole new level.

It has added the element of non-verbal communication thus making it similar to two people talking face to face despite being on either side of the globe.

Voice tones, hesitations, and head and hand movements greatly improve the understanding of the speaker’s intentions and emotions. VR also completely removes distractions thus enabling greater attention.

MeetinVR says there is a 25% increase in attention span compared to video conferencing.

Conclusion

It is thrilling to see the massive leaps that technology has made in such a short amount of time, just as it is exciting to fantasize about what's to come. Technology continues to make our lives easier by the day, and communication is just one of the many things that have been revolutionized by the innovation of electronics.

It truly is a wonderful time to be alive.