From Evolution to Revolution: Exploring the Technological Advances in Mass Communication.

Abstract

This paper traces the evolution of mass communication technologies from their earliest times to the current epoch. It begins with the earliest primitive writing technologies of papyrus to the development of advanced printing press before focusing on electronic communication. The technologies of electronic communication are found to have evolved from the early telegraphy with radio, and subsequently television, developing from this technology. While satellite technology became another important landmark in the development of modern mass communication, computer and the Internet brought the ultimate revolution introducing hitherto undreamt-about possibilities in mass communication. The writer concluded that mass communication, throughout its history, has remained technologically driven, lending some credence to the postulation of the technological determinism theory that human communication is continuously determined and shape by technology – “the medium is the message.”

Keywords: Evolution to revolution, Mass communication technologies, Electronic communication.