Since Gutenberg�s earth-shaking invention of the moveable printing press, communication technology has achieved great development. Inventions like the radio, television, and more recently the Internet have enabled us to get instant information from far away places. As far as communications are concerned, we are now in a much constricted world, which was unimaginable a century ago.
While recognizing the technological advancements during his days, Marshall McLuhan said: �Today, after more than a century of electric technology, we have extended our central nervous system in a global embrace, abolishing both space and time as far as our planet is concerned� (3).
It implies that, through media, we are increasingly linked together across the globe. We are now able to have connectivity with people around the world.
It is now possible that, without stepping out from our home, we can get access to all latest information on local and international events. A sporting event which is taking place thousands of miles away can be viewed live on television screen. This, in turn, is helping us to actively involve ourselves in various activities of common interest.
The news papers, radio and television have been very successful in conveying information on various issues to public, and there by influencing and shaping their thoughts. The methods of presenting news by these media have a considerable impact on public. Apart from this, the Internet has totally changed the way we perceive the world. It has brought new trends in communication, and also human relations. Email and online chat have made communication convenient, faster and cheaper. Online communities are not only useful in making new friends or maintaining the existing relations, but also in exchanging views on issues of common interest. By enabling people to extend their contacts beyond their geographical boundaries, it is promoting an integrated global community.
The Essay on Communication Information Mail Person
Ch 8 The functions of communication in organization are: 1. Share information, instructions 2. Share feeling and emotion 3. Central and co-coordinated efforts 4. Motivate employee 5. Interact with other stackholdersOrganizations success or failure is often the direct result of: 1. Company's communication philosophies 2. Employees' communication skills 3. Quantity of communication that is within ...
One major belief is that this increased connectivity promotes a sense of togetherness and unites people, from various backgrounds, in sharing responsibilities. As McLuhan states �As electrically contracted, the globe is no more than a village. Electric speed at bringing all social and political functions together in a sudden implosion has heightened human awareness of responsibility to an intense degree� (5).
An example to this feeling of responsibility was the timely response of people from different countries during the recent tsunami. If these communications were not available, it would not be possible for a person from a distant place, like America, to know the news and come forward in support of the victims in Asia.
Hence, it seems like the world is changing into a global village, with improved contacts across the globe. But in reality, how far is it true? It is for sure that people have access to latest news from time to time, but they are not in a position to decide on the content of that news. They can just know whatever they are allowed to. Also, ground reality somehow differs from the virtual reality.
Moreover, we tend to be more skeptical on this idea of global village, when we have a closer look at the cultural and economical differences among countries. Some people have the opinion that the advancing technology is supporting imperialism. As a support to this point, they would show the example of major media corporations which are controlled by economic elite of developed countries. Some scholars have stated that although communications seemed to increase global connectivity and unity, we have noticed the world only as it was, by trying to localize media in view of cultural diversity and indigenous markets (Mark Federman 5).
The Term Paper on Global village 3
... that the potential of the media is in contradiction with reality. As with the Internet, the “global village” is presented here as almost ... claiming that 1 in 6 people own a mobile phone in support of the “global village” concept. As with Mcluhan’s aphorisms ... public and private boundaries. People from all walks of life are making available to the connected world their presentation of themselves. ...
As a whole, the present scenario indicates that it may take a long time, if not impossible, to achieve a global village in reality. The concept of global village may not necessarily need to erase all the territories, making the world a single nation; but it means the creation of a world with equal opportunities to all its inhabitants. As the freedom of media is largely dependent on regional governments, political determination plays a major role in realizing a sustainable global community.
To conclude, though it sounds optimistic, the current scenario can be treated as initial steps towards a big change. The increasing developments in media will keep on influencing people, thereby slowly creating a global community based on social interests. One day, we may realize a real global village.
