History

• Telephone Tribute's timeline site claims ancient smoke signals as the very first communication technology; the Greek poet Homer discussed the use of smoke signals around 1200 B.C. Besides carrier pigeons, smoke signals remained the best option for nearly instantaneous long-distance communication until the introduction of the telegraph in 1837. The telephone was introduced in 1876, the radio in 1901, the television in 1928, and the most recent technology, the Internet, in 1969. Most forms of communication technology were used by governments or institutions before they became household commodities.
  
  

Types

• There are three types of communication technology. The most commonly used type is the media, represented by radio and television which produces messages to be received. Two-way communication technology, such as telephones and telegraphs, allow users to both transmit and receive messages. The Internet offers mixed communication that could go either way.
  
  

Function

• Communication technology exists to connect, inform, entertain and sell products. Radio and television entertain at the cost of advertisement; consumers have to witness product pitches while they enjoy songs and programs. Similarly, the Internet has adopted advertisements to accompany both their media and two-way communication options. The telephone, both cell phones and land lines, are still mostly advertising-free, except for the occasional sales call. Many communication professionals, like Financial Times' Gerald R. Baron, feel high-speed information transmission is one of the most important functions of current communication technology.
  
  

Effects

• Developments in communication technology force people to think differently about how they disclose information. With one phone call, or a couple of clicks, any kind of message becomes global news. With cell phones and laptops, communication became highly portable and even intrusive into people's daily lives. Modern technology creates a world where almost everybody can communicate at almost any time. This availability offers both positive developments and some drawbacks.
  
  

Expert Insight

• According to L. A. Ogunsola's article in the Electronic Journal of Academic and Special Librarianship, globalization is an especially significant result of communication technology. International communication facilitates global business and helps Third World countries industrialize. This global communication isn't all positive: Ogunsola believes communication technology may widen the gap between the world's rich and poor. He worries particularly about Africa, stating, "African countries are at risk of being further marginalized if they fail to embrace these technologies to transform their economies."