There have been leaps and bounds in the technological world; especially when the media is involved. It seems that the world is on top of a story or trend the minute it happens. Like the old saying goes news travels fast. Well with all our advances the rate of news travel is reaching light speed proportions and will only continue to get faster. With all the technology available to us I feel that the top four methods of technology most used and relied upon are the television, radio, internet, and cell phones.
The television has invented in 1907, and was by no means very functional at that time. It could hardly transmit static, let alone images. Over the next 20 years some major advances took place, such as not only could images be successfully transmitted but also sounds. In 1927 the first talking films began with The Jazz Singer. Fast forward the clock and you have action and adventure movies, moon landings, news broadcasts, 3 and 4D programs, etc. With dozens upon dozens of news channels and information broadcasts it is all too easy to click the “on” button to get all the information you need. You can get information on everything from what is happening in the white house, to what is happening overseas. The TV is not only an information provider it is also jammed packed with mindlessly entertaining shows that help you unwind at the end of the day. However, something that I appreciate about TV is that if there were ever something ground braking to happen, or of vital importance, whatever you are watching will be interrupted so that the more important information can be given. You are being kept in the loop without actual being in it, and that’s nice.
The average worker spends 54 minutes commuting to and from work each day. However, for many people the commute can be much much longer. When you spend anywhere from 5 or more hours a week in the car the radio is your primary source of communication. The radio, apart from the newspaper was the only source of information for a long time. The invention process began in the mid 18th century and there were successful transmissions made by 1904. There were 23 years in which radio was the primary source of information and it carries through even to today. Not only can the radio be used for information receiving, it can also be used as a source of entertainment, and even a lifeline. Ships and trucks that travel great distances can still send and receive signals via radio. There have been many instances when a ship or vehicle has reported their location and later have to be rescued. Sometimes it is the location of their last transmission that brings rescuers to their location. When commuters spend as much time traveling to and from work the radio can become a best friend.
The internet has been a God send to many of us. There are many times when access to a TV and radio are limited but with the increased mobility in computers the internet always seems to be literally at your finger tips. Computers are getting smaller, lighter, and more affordable as newer better technologies become available. You can take your computer with you anywhere, on an airplane, in the car (using it only if you are the passenger of course), across the country, etc. No matter where you go you can take your electronic world with you. The great thing about computers and the internet, especially for me, is that I can stay connected with my friends and family at all times. Yes, there is a cell phone but being in a military family we are always on the go and are usually in a different time zone than our loved ones. It is nice being able to send a greeting, or a video message just to say hello. When my husband went to Afghanistan I was glued to the computer as that was the only way he could contact me. Another great thing about the internet is that you can get news from all over the world with just one click of the button. You can also do research on a topic of your choice, you can read a book, file taxes, pay bills, anything. You can really find just about anything you want or need on the internet, even long lost friends, or a new job.
Finally, we get to the cell phone. I am convinced that in the near future babies will be born with either a built in cell phone or hospitals will issue them with birth certificates. Cell phones are on the rampage, along with computers they are getting smaller, faster, and smarter. Many cell phones now have internet access built in, they also have the ability to watch movies, play games, pretty much anything a radio, TV, or internet can do a cell phone can do now. The benefit of a cell phone is that you don’t have to hunt for a wi-fi hotspot to use it. As long as you have phone service, your service provider can grant you access. With the increase in cell phone technology there are virtually no dead zones, so you are always connected without having to bring your computer along. Another luxury of the cell phone is that if you were to fall out of your service providers zone you can roam and share other providers service until yours becomes available again (at a price of course). With all the new apps available to download onto your phone I would not be surprised to see the smart phone take place of many people’s computers. I personally have not yet adapted to the smart phone but I have a free upgrade coming soon, so we’ll see what happens then.
It is amazing to see how far we have come technologically in the last 100 years, I am excited and anxious to see where we go from here.
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