Digital Technology refers to the electronic tools, systems, devices and resources that generate store or process data. It also helps to facilitate communication between people, businesses, countries
In early part of human history, communication over long distances was slow and unreliable, which limited global interconnectedness and interdependence.
Developments in Long Distance Communications
Smoke Signals and Carrier Pigeons
- from historical dramas, seen methods of communication such as messages relayed via fire smoke signals or the pigeon post
Postal Letters
- with rise of maritime shipping, postal letters were carried between continents by merchant vessels.
- however these letters took months to arrive and might be lost due to disasters at sea
Telegraphs and Telephones
- telegraph was developed in the 1830s to transmit electrical signals over a wire installed between telegraph stations.
- later scientists invented receivers that were able to turn electricity into sound.
- led to developments of telephones in 1871 which allowed human voice to be transmitted over wires
Smartphones
- since 2000s telephones and mobile phones have developed rapidly, enabling people to engage in range of functions beyond making calls.
- with key developments in wireless networks, mobile processors and camera technology, people are now able to communicate with others across different time zones and over various distances via instant video calls using their smartphones
Invention of computers and internet are 2 key developments in digital technology
Summary
- in early part of human history - communications over long distances was slow and unreliable, which limited global interconnectedness and interdependence.
- in 21st century developments in digital tech have rapidly improved communications + accelerated globalisation. They have enabled people to stay connected, share info and ideas, and do business across vast distances and diff. time zones
increasingly prevalent use of digital tech and the transformation it has brought abt to our lives → known as “digital revolution”