Blog Post #5

Revolutionized Connections: A Journey Through the Evolution of Communication Innovations

Communication has had a significant amount of changes that deserves designated recognition to reflect upon. From the evolution of communication from the use of carrier pigeons to the news trends of today's age such as the use of the iPhone or now trending brands such as Netflix, communication has developed vastly in a variety of ways, recognizing the importance of communication and what makes it possible in todays society.

After listening to the class presentations, there were two presentations that sparked my interest, representing change in the technological advancements and overall growth of societies communication sources. For starters, carrier pigeons were used from the Middle Ages to the 1800s as a form of communication with commerce, navigation, and especially as a way of contacting the military. Many residents sent messages by pigeons in balloons in such significant occurrences of history. Carrier pigeons were originally bred and found to be trained to deliver messages. This occurred while using a magnetic internal compass inside of the pigeon to help navigate them to whichever direction was intended.

One thing I learned from the presentation in class that I did not already know is that carrier pigeons are referred to as "Homing Birds". This is due to them having what is called "homing" instincts, meaning whoever bred and trained them, or has had a brief interaction worthwhile the pigeons senses, the pigeon will easily find itself back to or toward the person it had its previous attachment to. This is similar to the example of babies being attached to their mother and father at first touch of skin, and an instant attachment bonding them for life right after birth. Aside from their quick and observant attachment style, carrier pigeons have precise strength of eyesight, hearing, and smell, making them even more adaptable, clever, and reliable in terms of what they were used for and why they were so efficient with it.

It can be understood that a lot has changed in the world's way of communication since the carrier pigeon days. One of the most changes in todays society is the creation of the cinematic picture, and certain brands and platforms that now allow movie-watching access at someones ease and viewers best convenience. Netflix is an American video/movie streaming service. This platform distributes a wide variety of award-winning TV shows, movies, and more. With just the purchase of a subscription plan, anyone can watch any picture show of their choosing, from the comfort and convenience of their own home, car, or destination of their choosing on both a television, computer screen, mobile device, or any other device that allows the installation of the application!

One thing I learned from the presentation about Netflix that I did not already know is that the two creators, Marc Randolph and reed Hastings originally did not intend for Netflix to be a streaming service of this current manner. Netflix was originally launched in 1998 as a direct delivery DVD mail subscription service site. VHS were first considered, then the higher costs were recognized and the DVD use was discovered and begun to be used. The company is known for firstly working in this manner, but soon developed into what is now one of the most successful streaming services with over millions of subscribers to this day.

As stated, sources of communication have grown enormously, causing immense change in todays society. Pigeons became SMS messages, letters became emails, newspapers became the internet, and telephones became smartphones. The internet and such strengths behind new and improved technologies such as these have created communication changes in the way we work and live. Overall, our newest technologies have made it easier for people to connect with one another regardless of location- and simpler to live simple.