Technology and the Evolution of Communication Essay Example

Technology and the Evolution of Communication Essay Technology and the Evolution of Communication Technology, driven by innovation, provided people with the ability to communicate with other people all over the world. Some would say this technology helped the masses to become more introverted as it has the potential to separate individuals from the neighbors across the street. The online environment was once used infrequently as cyberspace remained relatively unknown to the public. Individuals received their bills in the mail and in turn, wrote a check to pay the amount due, added a stamp to the return envelope, and returned it through the mail service. In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau created the World Wide Web while working on hypertext systems (Groff Pollermann, 1992). Technology by definition, is the means or activity by which man seeks to change or manipulate his environment (History of technology, 2010). As long as man has existed on earth, advancement has been accomplished by some type of technology. Dating back to the stone age, it is evident that technology existed in the simplest form as a spear or bow and arrow, which were used throughout most of the populated earth. Innovation provided a way for the weapons to be sharper and faster. Evidence of these innovations exists in the form of cave paintings spanning from Australia to areas in southern France and northern Spain. Although the date of the invention of the potters wheel, the bow drill, and the pole lathe is unknown, some speculate that it was in the Late Neolithic Period. These invented and refined items helped the people of that period to fish, hunt game, and gather food. These people developed basic tools and weapons created by using the raw materials they had at their disposal. We will write a custom essay sample on Technology and the Evolution of Communication specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Technology and the Evolution of Communication specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Technology and the Evolution of Communication specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer These weapons were then used to hunt for food, and the tools were needed to help with the development of food production. The basic need to eat generated innovations through the years and the gathering of food meant there was a need for planting, harvesting, and creating an irrigation system that worked to water the crops. Technology was at work as they created tools to help them plant, grow, and harvest their crops (History of technology, 2010). Giving consideration to these facts, humans moved forward in history. From the beginning stages of technology and the events during the Stone Age, to what people presently know and use in the world of technology, historians recognize that there may have been phases when technology developed at a diminished pace. Even through all this, the evolution of the concept was never completely halted. In the 19th century, the industrial revolution had a direct affect on the economic development of the United States as well as Britain and Europe. Four major inventions developed during this time, set the stage for future events. These included improvements made in the manufacturing processes within the textile industry, the invention of the telephone, the harnessing of electricity, and the expansion of transportation across the country into areas that previously took days and weeks to reach (Kelly, 2010). As one of the most recognized times for technology pushing innovation, this period in history provided man with the understanding and capability to invent new and faster ways of producing, developing, and traveling. During this same period, three inventors made a lasting change on the way in which people continue to communicate, even today. Thomas Edison was the first of the most recognized inventors of the time. His inventions, which included the phonograph, the light bulb, and the motion picture, had a direct affect on Americas growth as well as its history. The second of the inventors, celebrated for his lasting contributions to communication, was Samuel F. B. Morse, recognized for how he changed the public communication system through the use of the telegraph. Morses invention revolutionized the transmission of messages, not to mention the means and distance by which they were sent and received. It allowed the public to move information at a much more rapid pace than they had previously experienced. Finally, the heralded inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, deserves equal credit among the inventors for his powerful invention that, again, altered the realm of communication (Kelly, 2010). The importance of these inventions celebrated during the industrial revolution remains apparent. The modes of communication and social interaction that began in the 19th century laid the foundation for the social networking cycle that would rapidly evolve throughout history. In reviewing the timeline below (Table one), it is apparent that there has been an on-going push for advancement within the realm of communication. Table one Hewlett Packard (HP) foundedCompuServe introduces online serviceE-mail introducedComputers introduced to publicCyberspace term coinedWorld Wide Web introduced to publicE-mail becomes more popular than postal mailWeblogs begin to appearMySpace is foundedFacebook is foundedYouTube is foundedSocial networking is one of the most influential modes of communication 193919691972197719841991199619982003200420052010 Computers enable the public to utilize the world wide web as a social networking tool Note. History timelines of events, 2006, history-timelines. org. uk/events The article, Social Networking (Coyle, Vaughn, 2008), supports the ideas that social networking has evolved at a rapid pace. This type of communication has been used for many reasons and has slowly and steadily evolved over the years to include such things as basic networking, discussion of common hobbies, and finding lost friends and loved ones via the computer. Over the course of many years, technology, and thus the very civilization, has progressed from the introduction of more advanced and challenging online services, to the World Wide Web of social networking. In this arena, the average individual can expect to quickly and easily conduct everyday business that may include such luxuries as online work meetings or alternate methods for paying bills. With these advancements in technology, e-mail steadily became more convenient and gradually gained popularity, replacing services once provided by the postal service. In considering the goods and services readily available to ordinary people via the World Wide Web, not to mention the ease and convenience of such services, one must marvel at the evolution of technology and what it has afforded us, all in such a short timeframe. Most recently, innovations in the world of social networking have made it a giant in the world of advanced online communications. As the public gains familiarity with cyberspace, the popularity of these available resources has become more prominent in the everyday world. The year 2010 has seen social networking become one of the most influential modes of communication. MySpace, introduced in 2003, remains one of the most visited sites on the web today, with sites such as Facebook and Twitter close on its heels and rapidly gaining popularity. Even with the obvious advancements and advantages technology offers everyday individuals, skepticism remains. Many believe that the evolution of technology has been a necessary component when addressing advancement and considering new ways to live our lives. Critics contend that, even with the convenience and practicality associated with the use of the innovations and technology, pitfalls exist. Sherry Turkle raised concerns pertaining to the Internet. She invested considerable time and energy engaged with her team in observations and studies focused on the negative aspects of technology and the important place that it holds in our society. Based upon their findings, Sherry and her team concluded that too many people are spending too much time online creating imaginary identities, living in a virtual reality, and spending too many hours living in parallel worlds. Sherry believes that we need to take a second look at the consequences of living in virtual worlds and how individuals can quite possibly lose their identity. She contends that we must step back and consider these dangers before aggressively moving into the future. In addition to arguments that contend that we have become victims of parallel worlds, there exists the reality that schools and classrooms have access to the Internet and have been affected by the ease and availability of technology and communication. Some would caution that the information available on computer programs and the Internet, though helpful for students living and working in today’s society, may have its disadvantages. An example of this type of concern is found when one considers such media as a PowerPoint presentation used in today’s classrooms. Although the creation of this format lends itself to more effectively presenting information, it is also a means that limits the challenge a student is afforded. One study found that although this format was successful in presenting the necessary information for students, the bullet-point outline seemed to discourage the amount of give-and-take during discussions (Turkle, 2003). One may consider that we have quite possibly become too caught up with these computer generated programs, and argue our society has gone past the point of no return. Is this the point of no return, or are we learning to live in an Internet based, computerized generation? Both our future and the future of technology are hinged on the necessity to comprehend and master cyberspace. This includes the World Wide Web and all its qualities, both good and bad. People looking for an escape or trying to find a new reality can easily find it on the web. The Internet provides a wide range of resources spanning from basic gaming to running a business. Each person who logs onto the Internet has the choice between meaningful and trivial content. This is one of the freedoms afforded us through the World Wide Web. Social networking sites are gaining popularity for their convenience and ease, making life less complicated for many. Table two Note. Top five Social Networking Sites ranked according to Retention Rate, April 2006 Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, May 2006 Table two shows the gaining popularity of social networking and the retention rates achieved up to April 2006. The chain of events that has led up to our societys ability to lose themselves online began with an invention. The invention of the computer was the beginning of the information age. This invention, followed shortly thereafter by online service, public access to the Internet, and finally, the development of the World Wide Web, were steps in a progressive chain that would eventually take people into the future. Once the public understood how to access the web, communication took on a new look. E-mail became a major communication tool, weblogs became a venue for people to chat and speak their minds, and then websites such as MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube began to catch on as people used these sites to communicate as well as locate one another. The negative aspect of this new venue seems to be the amount of time spent on their computers and less time interfacing with other humans. Technology and innovation are necessary for humans to advance. Although some would argue that this is creating a society of introverts, I would argue otherwise. The technology that we use today is driven by innovation, and innovation is the key ingredient necessary for people to recognize a need, and then fill it. One could argue that they go hand-in-hand. The leaders of tomorrow will be mastering this very technology. We are not creating introverts, but merely reaching out and grasping what tomorrow will bring. References Coyle, C. , Vaughn, H. (2008). Social networking: Communication revolution or evolution?. Bell Labs Technical Journal, 13(2), 13-17. Retrieved February 7, 2010, doi:10. 1002/bltj. 20298. Groff, J. , Pollermann, B. (1992). World wide web (WWW) history Software engineering, artificial intelligence and expert systems for high energy and nuclear physics. La LondelesMaures, France (retrieved February 10, 2010). History of technology. (2010). In Encyclop? dia Britannica. Retrieved February 10, 2010, from Encyclop? dia Britannica Online:   http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/1350805/history-of-technology  History timelines of events. (2006). Retrieved February 16, 2010, from Google: http://www. istory-timelines. org. uk/events-timelines/index. htm. Kelly, M. (2010). Top 10 significant industrial revolution inventors (American History). Retrieved Feb 16, 2010, http://americanhistory. about. com/od/industrialrev/tp/inventors. htm McMillin, K. (1999, April 1). Technology advancements driven by scientists or artists. Retrieved February 16, 2010 from Offshore,59, 3/8. Turkle, S. (2003). Technology and Human Vulnerability. Harvard Business Review, 81(9), 43-50. Retrieved February 16, 2010, from Business Source Complete database. Technology and the Evolution of Communication Essay Example Technology and the Evolution of Communication Essay Technology and the Evolution of Communication Technology, driven by innovation, provided people with the ability to communicate with other people all over the world. Some would say this technology helped the masses to become more introverted as it has the potential to separate individuals from the neighbors across the street. The online environment was once used infrequently as cyberspace remained relatively unknown to the public. Individuals received their bills in the mail and in turn, wrote a check to pay the amount due, added a stamp to the return envelope, and returned it through the mail service. In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau created the World Wide Web while working on hypertext systems (Groff Pollermann, 1992). Technology by definition, is the means or activity by which man seeks to change or manipulate his environment (History of technology, 2010). As long as man has existed on earth, advancement has been accomplished by some type of technology. Dating back to the stone age, it is evident that technology existed in the simplest form as a spear or bow and arrow, which were used throughout most of the populated earth. Innovation provided a way for the weapons to be sharper and faster. Evidence of these innovations exists in the form of cave paintings spanning from Australia to areas in southern France and northern Spain. Although the date of the invention of the potters wheel, the bow drill, and the pole lathe is unknown, some speculate that it was in the Late Neolithic Period. These invented and refined items helped the people of that period to fish, hunt game, and gather food. These people developed basic tools and weapons created by using the raw materials they had at their disposal. We will write a custom essay sample on Technology and the Evolution of Communication specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Technology and the Evolution of Communication specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Technology and the Evolution of Communication specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer These weapons were then used to hunt for food, and the tools were needed to help with the development of food production. The basic need to eat generated innovations through the years and the gathering of food meant there was a need for planting, harvesting, and creating an irrigation system that worked to water the crops. Technology was at work as they created tools to help them plant, grow, and harvest their crops (History of technology, 2010). Giving consideration to these facts, humans moved forward in history. From the beginning stages of technology and the events during the Stone Age, to what people presently know and use in the world of technology, historians recognize that there may have been phases when technology developed at a diminished pace. Even through all this, the evolution of the concept was never completely halted. In the 19th century, the industrial revolution had a direct affect on the economic development of the United States as well as Britain and Europe. Four major inventions developed during this time, set the stage for future events. These included improvements made in the manufacturing processes within the textile industry, the invention of the telephone, the harnessing of electricity, and the expansion of transportation across the country into areas that previously took days and weeks to reach (Kelly, 2010). As one of the most recognized times for technology pushing innovation, this period in history provided man with the understanding and capability to invent new and faster ways of producing, developing, and traveling. During this same period, three inventors made a lasting change on the way in which people continue to communicate, even today. Thomas Edison was the first of the most recognized inventors of the time. His inventions, which included the phonograph, the light bulb, and the motion picture, had a direct affect on Americas growth as well as its history. The second of the inventors, celebrated for his lasting contributions to communication, was Samuel F. B. Morse, recognized for how he changed the public communication system through the use of the telegraph. Morses invention revolutionized the transmission of messages, not to mention the means and distance by which they were sent and received. It allowed the public to move information at a much more rapid pace than they had previously experienced. Finally, the heralded inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, deserves equal credit among the inventors for his powerful invention that, again, altered the realm of communication (Kelly, 2010). The importance of these inventions celebrated during the industrial revolution remains apparent. The modes of communication and social interaction that began in the 19th century laid the foundation for the social networking cycle that would rapidly evolve throughout history. In reviewing the timeline below (Table one), it is apparent that there has been an on-going push for advancement within the realm of communication. Table one Hewlett Packard (HP) foundedCompuServe introduces online serviceE-mail introducedComputers introduced to publicCyberspace term coinedWorld Wide Web introduced to publicE-mail becomes more popular than postal mailWeblogs begin to appearMySpace is foundedFacebook is foundedYouTube is foundedSocial networking is one of the most influential modes of communication 193919691972197719841991199619982003200420052010 Computers enable the public to utilize the world wide web as a social networking tool Note. History timelines of events, 2006, history-timelines. org. uk/events The article, Social Networking (Coyle, Vaughn, 2008), supports the ideas that social networking has evolved at a rapid pace. This type of communication has been used for many reasons and has slowly and steadily evolved over the years to include such things as basic networking, discussion of common hobbies, and finding lost friends and loved ones via the computer. Over the course of many years, technology, and thus the very civilization, has progressed from the introduction of more advanced and challenging online services, to the World Wide Web of social networking. In this arena, the average individual can expect to quickly and easily conduct everyday business that may include such luxuries as online work meetings or alternate methods for paying bills. With these advancements in technology, e-mail steadily became more convenient and gradually gained popularity, replacing services once provided by the postal service. In considering the goods and services readily available to ordinary people via the World Wide Web, not to mention the ease and convenience of such services, one must marvel at the evolution of technology and what it has afforded us, all in such a short timeframe. Most recently, innovations in the world of social networking have made it a giant in the world of advanced online communications. As the public gains familiarity with cyberspace, the popularity of these available resources has become more prominent in the everyday world. The year 2010 has seen social networking become one of the most influential modes of communication. MySpace, introduced in 2003, remains one of the most visited sites on the web today, with sites such as Facebook and Twitter close on its heels and rapidly gaining popularity. Even with the obvious advancements and advantages technology offers everyday individuals, skepticism remains. Many believe that the evolution of technology has been a necessary component when addressing advancement and considering new ways to live our lives. Critics contend that, even with the convenience and practicality associated with the use of the innovations and technology, pitfalls exist. Sherry Turkle raised concerns pertaining to the Internet. She invested considerable time and energy engaged with her team in observations and studies focused on the negative aspects of technology and the important place that it holds in our society. Based upon their findings, Sherry and her team concluded that too many people are spending too much time online creating imaginary identities, living in a virtual reality, and spending too many hours living in parallel worlds. Sherry believes that we need to take a second look at the consequences of living in virtual worlds and how individuals can quite possibly lose their identity. She contends that we must step back and consider these dangers before aggressively moving into the future. In addition to arguments that contend that we have become victims of parallel worlds, there exists the reality that schools and classrooms have access to the Internet and have been affected by the ease and availability of technology and communication. Some would caution that the information available on computer programs and the Internet, though helpful for students living and working in today’s society, may have its disadvantages. An example of this type of concern is found when one considers such media as a PowerPoint presentation used in today’s classrooms. Although the creation of this format lends itself to more effectively presenting information, it is also a means that limits the challenge a student is afforded. One study found that although this format was successful in presenting the necessary information for students, the bullet-point outline seemed to discourage the amount of give-and-take during discussions (Turkle, 2003). One may consider that we have quite possibly become too caught up with these computer generated programs, and argue our society has gone past the point of no return. Is this the point of no return, or are we learning to live in an Internet based, computerized generation? Both our future and the future of technology are hinged on the necessity to comprehend and master cyberspace. This includes the World Wide Web and all its qualities, both good and bad. People looking for an escape or trying to find a new reality can easily find it on the web. The Internet provides a wide range of resources spanning from basic gaming to running a business. Each person who logs onto the Internet has the choice between meaningful and trivial content. This is one of the freedoms afforded us through the World Wide Web. Social networking sites are gaining popularity for their convenience and ease, making life less complicated for many. Table two Note. Top five Social Networking Sites ranked according to Retention Rate, April 2006 Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, May 2006 Table two shows the gaining popularity of social networking and the retention rates achieved up to April 2006. The chain of events that has led up to our societys ability to lose themselves online began with an invention. The invention of the computer was the beginning of the information age. This invention, followed shortly thereafter by online service, public access to the Internet, and finally, the development of the World Wide Web, were steps in a progressive chain that would eventually take people into the future. Once the public understood how to access the web, communication took on a new look. E-mail became a major communication tool, weblogs became a venue for people to chat and speak their minds, and then websites such as MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube began to catch on as people used these sites to communicate as well as locate one another. The negative aspect of this new venue seems to be the amount of time spent on their computers and less time interfacing with other humans. Technology and innovation are necessary for humans to advance. Although some would argue that this is creating a society of introverts, I would argue otherwise. The technology that we use today is driven by innovation, and innovation is the key ingredient necessary for people to recognize a need, and then fill it. One could argue that they go hand-in-hand. The leaders of tomorrow will be mastering this very technology. We are not creating introverts, but merely reaching out and grasping what tomorrow will bring. References Coyle, C. , Vaughn, H. (2008). Social networking: Communication revolution or evolution?. Bell Labs Technical Journal, 13(2), 13-17. Retrieved February 7, 2010, doi:10. 1002/bltj. 20298. Groff, J. , Pollermann, B. (1992). World wide web (WWW) history Software engineering, artificial intelligence and expert systems for high energy and nuclear physics. La LondelesMaures, France (retrieved February 10, 2010). History of technology. (2010). In Encyclop? dia Britannica. Retrieved February 10, 2010, from Encyclop? dia Britannica Online:   http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/1350805/history-of-technology  History timelines of events. (2006). Retrieved February 16, 2010, from Google: http://www. istory-timelines. org. uk/events-timelines/index. htm. Kelly, M. (2010). Top 10 significant industrial revolution inventors (American History). Retrieved Feb 16, 2010, http://americanhistory. about. com/od/industrialrev/tp/inventors. htm McMillin, K. (1999, April 1). Technology advancements driven by scientists or artists. Retrieved February 16, 2010 from Offshore,59, 3/8. Turkle, S. (2003). Technology and Human Vulnerability. Harvard Business Review, 81(9), 43-50. Retrieved February 16, 2010, from Business Source Complete database.