Communication Studies Page
Communication Media and Its Development Throughout History
January 16, 2023
The history of communication in the world began with carved writing on tablets over 4,000 years ago, when the first written documents were identified. Since then, humans invented more convenient writing surfaces, such as paper. The digital age revolutionized the world and humanity as radio technology was developed and then electronic media was developed later. When humans were able to send communications worldwide, the world was connected and became a much smaller place. Technology continues to advance, improve, and make our lives more convenient, in addition to serving the business world and workplace. However, have recent advances in communication helped humans, or have there been any unforseen consequences of this technology? Has dependence on wireless devices changed our lives so much that some things in life are lost and forgotten? How does wireless technology affect social relationships and general well-being of the human population?
Artwork was one of the earliest forms of communication through paintings, carvings, and man-made objects that were used to express ideas or symbolize important things in a particular culture in the past. Eventually written documents were made to send a message to a particular person or audience. Comon themes in ancient times would be religious and spiritual, scientific, cultural and political symbols that were depicted in artworks. Written documents changed from stone tablet carvings to papyrus and thin paper with ink. Written documents and messages would be transferred by humans on foot or horse-drawn vehicles. Arguably the biggest advancement in communication would be telephone technology.
The Printing Press 900-1500 A.D.
The printing press created a revolution in mass communication because large amounts of copies of a text could be made and distributed publically. Printing presses began to be developed in different parts of the world as early as the 10th century and by the 15th century, the printing press was in use in Asia and Europe. Woodblock printing was used in Asia and Europe as early as the 9th century and advances were made in future centuries. In woodblock printing, symbols were carved into wood blocks and these were stained with ink. Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century made substantial improvements to the printing press that would make large amounts of material to be printed quickly.
The Telegraph 1844
However, the telegraph was the first instant communication over long distances in human history, which occurred in the early 18th century and was in use by the late 18th century. The telegraph worked by sending electrical signals across wires that would create messages on the destination end in Morse code form.
The Telephone 1877
Sounds are transmitted with a telephone, which was developed by the middle 19th century. Telephones began to be first used in homes in 1877. The first phones converted sound into an electrical signal by directing sound through a receiver and onto a thin membrane stretched over a drum. The sound created a vibration in the membrane and drum that was recorded and converted into an electric current.
The First Wireless Signal 1897
The first wirelesss signal was made in 1897 by Guglielmo Marconi of the UK using radio waves. During this period of the late 19th century, many scientists and inventors were working with similar technology to send wireless signals across long distances using radio waves.
Communication Media and Its Development Throughout History
January 16, 2023
The history of communication in the world began with carved writing on tablets over 4,000 years ago, when the first written documents were identified. Since then, humans invented more convenient writing surfaces, such as paper. The digital age revolutionized the world and humanity as radio technology was developed and then electronic media was developed later. When humans were able to send communications worldwide, the world was connected and became a much smaller place. Technology continues to advance, improve, and make our lives more convenient, in addition to serving the business world and workplace. However, have recent advances in communication helped humans, or have there been any unforseen consequences of this technology? Has dependence on wireless devices changed our lives so much that some things in life are lost and forgotten? How does wireless technology affect social relationships and general well-being of the human population?
Artwork was one of the earliest forms of communication through paintings, carvings, and man-made objects that were used to express ideas or symbolize important things in a particular culture in the past. Eventually written documents were made to send a message to a particular person or audience. Comon themes in ancient times would be religious and spiritual, scientific, cultural and political symbols that were depicted in artworks. Written documents changed from stone tablet carvings to papyrus and thin paper with ink. Written documents and messages would be transferred by humans on foot or horse-drawn vehicles. Arguably the biggest advancement in communication would be telephone technology.
The Printing Press 900-1500 A.D.
The printing press created a revolution in mass communication because large amounts of copies of a text could be made and distributed publically. Printing presses began to be developed in different parts of the world as early as the 10th century and by the 15th century, the printing press was in use in Asia and Europe. Woodblock printing was used in Asia and Europe as early as the 9th century and advances were made in future centuries. In woodblock printing, symbols were carved into wood blocks and these were stained with ink. Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century made substantial improvements to the printing press that would make large amounts of material to be printed quickly.
The Telegraph 1844
However, the telegraph was the first instant communication over long distances in human history, which occurred in the early 18th century and was in use by the late 18th century. The telegraph worked by sending electrical signals across wires that would create messages on the destination end in Morse code form.
The Telephone 1877
Sounds are transmitted with a telephone, which was developed by the middle 19th century. Telephones began to be first used in homes in 1877. The first phones converted sound into an electrical signal by directing sound through a receiver and onto a thin membrane stretched over a drum. The sound created a vibration in the membrane and drum that was recorded and converted into an electric current.
The First Wireless Signal 1897
The first wirelesss signal was made in 1897 by Guglielmo Marconi of the UK using radio waves. During this period of the late 19th century, many scientists and inventors were working with similar technology to send wireless signals across long distances using radio waves.