The Evolution of Technology

Technology has changed rapidly over the last two decades but never at the speed we are experiencing today. With the advancement in communication technology like IoT, 5G, and the Cloud we have changed not only how we communicate but when, where, and even why we communicate. Every aspect of traditional communication has been changed by technology and continues to be reshaped by AI integration. We are in a period of rapid advancement and groundbreaking change. This transformative period has contemporary communicators expanding their knowledge and pioneering new practices.

It is strange to thing that not too long ago an athlete would just put on their shoes and go for a morning run with nothing but a key in their pocket. Today, that same athlete carries a smartphone that tracks their long run mileage and pace. A health app will monitor their heart rate and calculate calories burned that is sent from their smartwatch via Bluetooth to their smartphone. Their music will play a customized playlist that was created with an algorithm and transmitted via Bluetooth from their smartphone to their earbuds. A push alert will be sent at one mile telling the runner words of encouragement and accomplishment. That same athlete will lock their home with a smartphone app and stop by the nearest coffee shop. There, they will pay for their coffee with their digital wallet with only a wrist flick from their smartwatch. Technology is everywhere! We continue to integrate it into every aspect of our communication.

The advancement of IoT has impacted the family environment, relationships, and in-person communication. On the positive side, with smartphones, virtual assistants like Apple’s Suri or Google’s Alexa, and wearables like smartwatches, families have never been more connected and accessible. Relationships that may have once been lost to distance are now only a quick text away. In addition, social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook create digital forums that keep people connected by sharing messages, pictures, and videos regardless of distance. In a recent study, IoT strengthen interpersonal connections by bonding through shared experiences, simplify remote communication for work and home, and help with efficiency by increasing free time to spend with family and friends (Apthorpe, 2022).  On the negative side, with the advancement of IoT, in-person communication has weakened social skills. These social skills like non-verbal communication, active listening, articulation, and clarity all provide relational skills that give an emotional intelligence needed to succeed in a modern society. “The reliance on virtual platforms for socializing has affected our ability to read non-verbal cues, interpret tone of voice, and engage in spontaneous conversations” (Brunell, 2024). It is vital for contemporary communicators to have a thorough understanding of shifting social skills in order to communicate strategically and effectively position messaging.

Current communication and technology advancements in the educational sector like IoT, 5G, the cloud, and AI have made education flexible and accessible. These technologies grant students the opportunity to seek the platform and pedagogical approach that assists them best. In a sense, technology has made education personalized by providing options for learners that range from traditional face-to-face, hybrid, online self-paced or weekly modules, to virtual classrooms. Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Brightspace, Canvas, and Google Classroom are the new virtual classrooms. These modern educational platforms encourage students to seek knowledge through creative methods and interests therefore using the teacher as guide to develop their own independent thinking and problem-solving skills (Matjanov, 2025). Technology in the classroom helps virtual student succeed. Students use IoT, 5G, and the cloud to learn from anywhere. At any time, students can access assignments, watch lessons, communicate in forums or directly with their instructor. There are also tools like access to digital libraries and software that make learning more efficient. With virtual learning, assistance is immediate and always available. Students not only learn to communicate at a rapid pace but also expect receivers to communicate in the same fashion. A contemporary communicator is proficient in modern technology and will understand the expectations of tech savvy communicators.

The modern workplace looks extremely different than previous decades. In the last 20 years there has been a digital progression from face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and snail mail to video conferencing, email, and cloud-based shared communication. This advancement in technology has created a contemporary workplace that has been accelerated by pandemic restrictions. Post 2020 workspaces are mobile and tech focused. Many are hybrid or remote with a focus on outcomes and impact rather than physical presence (Stiles, 2024). With Gen Z entering the workforce, they bring modern ideas into the workplace. This is because many of them experienced hybrid and online learning due to pandemic restrictions. They developed new learning styles and used technology to communicate in a way that had never been done before. In times of struggle, they created a virtual workplace and adapted. Gen Z brings with them different workplace expectations like work-life balance (Stiles, 2024). This is why remote work is still highly appealing to many. Communication technology has rapidly advanced the workplace beyond traditional walls. The workspace has been reshaped by contemporary communicators who are redefining how strategic messages are received and delivered.  The contemporary workplace is faster, calculated, and data-driven.

While technology has shifted the ability to work remote, many argue that it is not always the best choice. There are cons to remote work like work-life boundaries and how the lack of in-person communication can cause feelings of isolation. Also, networking is vital for career growth. In-person interpersonal communication creates lasting impressions and real connections. Remote workers can be overlooked for promotions because they are out of sight and out of mind. Remote work can also hurt communities by not supporting small businesses and crippling commercial real estate. However, the pros for remote work are highly desirable for workers and employers. For example, remote work reduces costs for both employee and employer because employees do not have the cost of commuting to work or meals while employers do not have the overhead cost of office space (Gunthner, 2023). Remote work is also desirable because it is flexible for workers with family obligations.

In conclusion, the evolution of communication and technology has experienced rapid development that has changed every aspect of our lives. The IoT has influenced the family environment, relationships, and in-person communication making everyone more connected. Communication and technology integration has changed education making learning flexible and accessible. Modern learning spaces are fluid providing virtual students the ability to seek knowledge and communicate from any location at any time. The physical walls of the workplace have shifted into the virtual office of remote and hybrid work. It is an exciting time to be in communications! Contemporary communicators are looking to the past for expertise but the future for innovation. Societal changes and norms are being reshaped. Contemporary communicators understand this evolution and the modern methods to communicate effectively.

References

Apthorpe, N., Emami-Naeini, P., Mathur, A., Chetty, M., & Feamster, N. (2022). You, me, and IoT: How internet-connected consumer devices affect interpersonal relationships. ACM Transactions on Internet of Things, 3(4), 1-29.

Brunell, B. (2024). Restoring social confidence: Overcoming lost social skills amidst the pandemic. Everyday Speech. https://everydayspeech.com/sel-implementation/restoring-social-confidence-overcoming-lost-social-skills-amidst-the-pandemic/

Gunthner, J. (2023). Remote work 2023-pros and cons in the modern workplace. Paltron. https://www.paltron.com/insights-en/remote-work-2023-pros-and-cons-in-the-modern-workplace#:~:text=Distractions.%20On%20the%20one%20hand%2C%20the%20home,internet%20is%20also%20just%20a%20click%20away.

Matjanov, A. (2025). Program technology for choosing an effective educational methodology based on modern pedagogical research in the educational system. Current Research Journal of Pedagogics, 6(02), 30–33. https://doi.org/10.37547/pedagogics-crjp-06-02-06

Stiles, M. (2024). The evolution of professionalism in the modern workplace. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/evolution-professionalism-modern-workplace-matthew-stiles-ts3ae/