Communication Technology: Past and Present

Communication Technologies

*Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people communicating over long distances used traditional means such as letters and the telephone. Nowadays, we have a vast array of communication tools that can complete this task, ranging from email to instant messaging and video calls. While the present and previous means of communication are similar in their general form, they differ in regard to their speed and the range of tools available.*

Similarities in Communication Forms

One similarity between current and previous methods of communication relates to the form of communication. In the past, both written forms, such as letters, were frequently used, in addition to oral forms, such as telephone calls. Similarly, people nowadays use both of these forms. Just as in the past, written forms of communication are prevalent, for example, via email and text messaging. In addition, oral forms are still used, including the telephone, mobile phone, and voice messages via instant messaging services.

Key Differences: Speed and Range

However, there are clearly many differences in the way we communicate over long distances, the most notable of which is **speed**. This is most evident in relation to written forms of communication. In the past, letters would take days to arrive at their destination. In contrast, an email arrives almost instantaneously and can be read seconds after it was sent. In the past, if it was necessary to send a short message, for example, at work, a memo could be passed around the office, which would take some time to circulate. This is different from the current situation, in which a text message can be sent immediately.

Another significant difference is the **range of communication methods**. Fifty years ago, the tools available for communicating over long distances were primarily the telephone and the letter. By comparison, there are a vast array of communication methods available today. These include not only the telephone, letter, email, and text messages already mentioned but also video conferences via software such as Skype or mobile phone apps such as WeChat, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

The Future of Communication

In conclusion, methods of communication have greatly advanced over the past fifty years. While there are some similarities, such as the forms of communication, there are significant differences, chiefly in relation to the speed of communication and the range of communication tools available. There is no doubt that technology will continue to progress in the future, and the advanced tools which we use today may one day also become outdated.