The world has actually been wired together by digital communications systems for a century and a half. Nothing that has happened during that time compares in its impact to the first exchange of messages between Queen Victoria and President Buchanan in 1858. That was so impressive that a mob of celebrants poured into the streets of New York and set fire to City Hall.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Digital communication has connected the world for over a century, but the first transatlantic message between Queen Victoria and President Buchanan remains unmatched in its immediate social impact.
- In plain terms
- Early digital connections caused huge excitement compared to later ones.
- What can you take from it?
- First experiences of connection often have the strongest impact.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we measure technological impact?
- What makes a tech breakthrough memorable?
Another view
The intensity of early reactions may not reflect long-term societal changes.
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