Evolution of Communication: Mankind Tool that Supports The Development of Human Connection Methods

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” – Stephen Hawking. The evolution of communication is mankind’s tool that supports the development of human connection methods from prehistoric times completely up to today, however to what extent? A good estimate about fifty years ago, there were no mobile phones, no computers, and no e-mail for you to use. Living without these communication methods may seem like living in ancient times or the 1800s. This role that is playing a huge part in society and how it evolved. This role is communication, communications in the modern era have changed drastically and rely on technology. Instead of human contact face to face interactions and communication have been in the beginning of mankind. It has become somewhat where email and networking-based communications would far off be better. Technology becoming more and more manipulative through the use of these networking applications and many more. Although some can have a balance between human connection and technology, it has weakened the image of friendships and diminished the value of human connection.

To demonstrate, admiration and emotions are absent from communication, people just send the content to others without consideration.

Hence the communication is manipulative, it’s based on data, market demand, reputation in the society, and popularity. Society treats the rich and poor differently. Society selects the leaders based on popularity and not on principle and merit. Now, these things reduce the trust and emotions in those who actually want to use their platform for good. A big factor that played a part of this environment was computers. Sources state “Over the past few decades, technology usage has grown significantly. Per the U.S. Census, 76% of households reported having a computer in 2011, compared with only 8% in 1984. Of that number, 72% of households reported accessing the Internet, up from just 18% in 1998, the first year the Census”.

Computer networking is the biggest modernization in the world of communication that humans have yet to experience. Not only do computers help people to communicate in a variety of new ways, but they also communicate with each other. With computers came the leading edge of email. More convenient than a phone because email allowed people to contact individuals or groups any time of the day or night without concern for time zones or long-distance calling fees. This drastic increase in technology usage is affecting the younger generations as well. For instance “one study, conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, found people ages 8 to 18 spent more time on media than on any other activity – at an average of 7.5 hours a day”. This goes to show that kids are tapping into their phones and aren’t tapping into their environment. To relate back to the topic this has diminished the value of human connection for there are twenty-four hours in a day, within those twenty-four people are on media for an average of “7.5 hours a day” as the Kaiser Family Foundation study proves. Thus leaving about sixteen hours and then on average people are sleeping seven or eight hours, now leaving eight hours of productivity which from the study of ages 8 to 18 would be in school which can be up to four through eight hours. This leaves an insignificant amount of hours to interact with the environment, therefore, is influenced by the people of reputation in the social media side. Today, it is considered as a business tool helping small businesses grow as sources stated “Internet access became more common and more affordable as the 21st century neared. Society began to view electronic communication methods like email and instant messaging as a normal things being crucial to their everyday lives.

To further develop, like computers came mobile phones. Since the mobile phone was introduced in 1973, there weren’t many changes made to it until the1990’s. The size remained rather impossible due to the need for designing a maller battery. Once that improvement occurred, sizes began to shrink and their appeal increased to society. Initially, phones were solely used for telephone calls but this constantly changed. Models began to have other functions such as a camera, an MP3 player, and the internet. As time moved on mobile devices gained popularity and became dominant throughout the globe the mobile phone is now a part of our popular culture. New customs, rituals, and routines are developing around what is being used every day. According to GSMA Intelligence, the “number of mobile devices is 7.22 billion while the US Census Bureau says this figure is still between 7.19 and 7.2 billion. The growing number of smartphones and smartphone owners raises an effect on human health and life.” This worldwide spread of mobile phones being about 7.22 billion worldwide shows how effective and depth this type of influence can reach. The good thing about this is that if you wanted to reach somebody on the other side of the planet you would be able to via calling through skype and many other applications or platforms that allow it, all for free with access to the internet. However, all of this may sound favorable such as advanced features of the smartphone, internet communication, information retrieval, video, e-business, and other features, that make the device highly popular among people. However according to Pew research center, “the number of smartphone owners comprises 56% of American adults in 2013 and their average daily use of the device is about 195 minutes. The number of cellphone users increases every year.” Several studies show the connection between cell phone usage and the physical state of the users’ health. Some studies report that users complain about a headache, hand tremors,s and finger discomfort. In his research, Berlo noted that “mobile hand-held device users complain of discomfort at least on one area of upper extremities, back or neck. Long-term usage of the device leads to additional tension on tendons, muscles, and parametric tissue, which could result in visual display terminal (VDT) syndrome. In similar studies on working with desktop, the scientists recommend regular rest periods, stretching, and exercises.”

To conclude, the Evolution of communication is mankind’s tool that supports the development of human connection methods from prehistoric times all the way up to today. Although some can have a balance between human connection and technology, it has weakened the image of friendships and diminished the value of human connection. Technology has changed our approach and expectations toward communication. If people are late to a class, meeting, an event, etc. they are expected to notify others via their mobile phones. It is no longer necessary to agree on when and where to meet people can just call or text each other on their mobile phones and say where they are at the moment. The mobile phone has freed us from the constraints of space. Human communication has been set from the day we stood up on two legs, communication is vital for our survival. Without talking to each other, we would be eaten up by our own loneliness.

Works Cited

1. Census Bureau. (2011). Computer and Internet Use in the United States: 2011. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2013/acs/acs-28.html
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