In the space of just a few years, the Internet has blossomed from an arcane tool used primarily by academics and government researchers into a worldwide mass communications medium that has rapidly become the backbone of all communications and financial transactions within society and the new global economy. No previous telecommunications advance – not the telephone, the television, cable television, the VCR, the fax or even the cellular telephone is having more cultural and political impact on the global media landscape than the Internet. It has not just penetrated public consciousness but has secured widespread public adoption.
The potential for a rebirth of democracy and citizen participation in global governance issues is enormous. It is clear that communications will continue to play a comprehensive and critical role in the expansion of the global economy and the global and the world community. The interdependency of nations that is driving globalization is unquestionably economic, but the social and political integration and interdependence are also very real. Interdisciplinary understanding of the connections between social and political needs and concerns, and mechanisms for harmonizing such differences must be a priority for governments and institutions. This will require a new global awareness of world affairs by citizens everywhere.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. Background
- III. Computers and the Digital Age
- IV. Globalization 3.0: The Period of Internet Boom and Bust
- V. Beginning of the End of the Monopoly System of Communications
- VI. The New Geography of the Global Economy
- VII. The World is Flat
- VIII. The Future of News and Information
- IX. Summary and Observations
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to examine the impact of globalization and technological advancements, particularly the rise of the internet, on communication systems in the 21st century. It traces the historical development of communication technologies and analyzes their influence on the global economy and media landscape.
- The impact of globalization on communication systems.
- The historical evolution of communication technologies (telegraph, satellites, internet).
- The role of the internet in shaping the global economy.
- The changing nature of news and information dissemination.
- The privatization and deregulation of communication monopolies.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the profound impact of globalization on communication systems. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of national economies and political systems, driven largely by the spread of communications. The chapter introduces the concept of globalization, noting its frequent use and potential for misinterpretation, and provides historical context, tracing globalization back to early human migration and emphasizing the accelerating role of technologies like the transatlantic cables, satellites and, most significantly, the Internet, which has created a "flat world" according to Thomas Friedman. The chapter concludes by underscoring the internet's pervasive cultural and political influence and its potential to shift power dynamics in the flow of information away from the United States.
II. Background: This chapter provides a historical overview of communication technology, starting with the Roman Empire's slow communication systems and progressing through various milestones. It highlights the Rothschilds' use of carrier pigeons for rapid financial communication, the telegraph's impact on reducing reliance on pigeons, and the pivotal role of undersea cables in accelerating multinational trade. The chapter further describes the "space race" triggered by Sputnik, and the subsequent development of communication satellites and the INTELSAT system, fostering global interconnectedness and the privatization of government-owned communication monopolies. The chapter concludes by discussing the surge in private television channels in Europe and the resulting "Americanization" or "electronic colonialism" concerns, emphasizing the impact of deregulation and the growing influence of commercial television.
Keywords
Globalization, communication technologies, internet, World Wide Web, global economy, media landscape, communication monopolies, deregulation, privatization, news and information dissemination, transnational enterprises, electronic colonialism, infotainment.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this text?
This text examines the impact of globalization and technological advancements, particularly the rise of the internet, on communication systems in the 21st century. It traces the historical development of communication technologies and analyzes their influence on the global economy and media landscape.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the impact of globalization on communication, the historical evolution of communication technologies (telegraph, satellites, internet), the internet's role in shaping the global economy, the changing nature of news and information dissemination, and the privatization and deregulation of communication monopolies.
What historical periods and technologies are discussed?
The text covers a broad historical span, from the slow communication systems of the Roman Empire to the development of modern technologies like the telegraph, undersea cables, communication satellites (INTELSAT), and the internet. It also discusses the impact of the "space race" and the rise of private television channels.
How does the text describe the impact of the internet?
The text emphasizes the internet's profound and pervasive influence on cultural and political landscapes, its role in creating a "flat world" (Thomas Friedman's concept), and its potential to shift power dynamics in the flow of information. It also highlights the internet's impact on the global economy and the changing nature of news and information dissemination.
What is the text's perspective on globalization?
The text analyzes globalization's multifaceted impact on communication, highlighting both its opportunities and challenges. It notes the interconnectedness of national economies and political systems driven by improved communications but also acknowledges concerns about "electronic colonialism" and the "Americanization" of media due to deregulation and commercialization.
What are the key chapters and their contents?
The text includes chapters on the introduction (setting the stage and introducing key concepts), background (historical overview of communication technologies), computers and the digital age, globalization 3.0, the end of communication monopolies, the new geography of the global economy, "The World is Flat," the future of news and information, and a concluding summary and observations.
What are some key terms or keywords used in the text?
Key terms include globalization, communication technologies, internet, World Wide Web, global economy, media landscape, communication monopolies, deregulation, privatization, news and information dissemination, transnational enterprises, electronic colonialism, and infotainment.
What is the overall aim or objective of the text?
The text aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how globalization and technological advancements, particularly the internet, have transformed communication systems in the 21st century. It seeks to analyze the historical context, key players, and resulting impacts on the global economy and media landscape.
- Quote paper
- John Eger (Author), 2010, The Future of Communication in the 21st Century, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/150033
