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4000 BCE
Cuneiform script emerges in Mesopotamia.
This system of writing used wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. -
3500 BCE
Egyptian hieroglyphics appear
Egyptian hieroglyphics appear, using pictorial representations to represent words and ideas. -
1200 BCE
The Phoenician alphabet is created
The Phoenician alphabet is created, consisting of 22 characters that represented consonants. -
600 BCE
The Chinese create their own system of writing
The Chinese create their own system of writing, consisting of characters that represent words or concepts. -
200 BCE
The Romans create the Latin alphabet
The Romans create the Latin alphabet, which would become the basis for many modern alphabets, including English. -
400
The Codex is invented
The Codex, a book format with pages bound together, is invented by the Romans. This format would become the standard for books for centuries to come. -
1450
Invention of the Printing Press
Johannes Gutenberg invents the printing press, revolutionizing the production of books and increasing the spread of information. -
The telegraph is invented
The telegraph is invented, allowing for the rapid transmission of written messages across long distances. -
Typewriter Invented
Typewriters become widespread, allowing for faster and more efficient written communication. -
Invention of the Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell invents the telephone, leading to the eventual use of written communication via telephones, such as text messaging. -
The first wireless telegraph message is sent
The first wireless telegraph message is sent across the English Channel, paving the way for radio communication and later television. -
The first commercial radio broadcasts begin
The first commercial radio broadcasts begin, bringing news and entertainment to the masses. -
Invention of Television
The first television sets become available, allowing for the distribution of news and entertainment in visual format. -
The first digital computer is built
The first digital computer is built, setting the stage for the development of electronic communication. -
Invention of magnetic tape data storage device
The first magnetic tape data storage device is invented, paving the way for the development of digital storage and retrieval of written information. -
Invention of the first commercial computer
The first commercial computer, the UNIVAC I, is introduced, enabling the processing and storage of large amounts of written data. -
Invention of the first commercially successful photocopiert
The first commercially successful photocopier, called the Xerox Model A, is introduced, making it easier and more affordable to reproduce written documents. -
The first credit cards are introduced
The first credit cards are introduced, allowing for the rapid and convenient exchange of written financial information. -
Invention of the first mass-produced ballpoint pen
The first mass-produced ballpoint pen is introduced, revolutionizing the way people write and take notes. -
Invention of the first computer hard disk drive
The first computer hard disk drive, capable of storing large amounts of digital data, is invented. -
Invention of the first video tape recorder
The first video tape recorder, called the Ampex VRX-1000, is introduced, enabling the recording and playback of video and audio content. -
Invention of the first commercial computer language
The first commercial computer language, called FORTRAN, is developed, making it easier for programmers to write and program computers. -
Invention of the first laser printer
The first laser printer is invented, paving the way for faster and higher-quality printing of written documents -
Invention of the first computer network
The first computer network, called the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), is created, paving the way for the internet age. -
The first email is sent
The first email is sent over ARPANET by computer engineer Ray Tomlinson, marking the beginning of electronic communication. -
Creation of the first electronic message boards
The first electronic message boards, called Bulletin Board Systems (BBS), are created, enabling users to post and share messages with each other. -
The first mobile phone call is made
The first mobile phone call is made by Motorola engineer Martin Cooper, paving the way for the widespread use of mobile communication. -
Release of the first word processing software
The first word processing software, called Electric Pencil, is released, enabling users to create and edit written documents on personal computers. -
Release of the first personal computer
The first personal computer, the Altair 8800, is released, leading to the widespread adoption of computers for written communication. -
Release of the first commercial word processing software
The first commercial word processing software, WordStar, is released, leading to increased use of computers for writing and editing documents. -
The first personal computers become available
The first personal computers become available, including the IBM PC, leading to increased use of word processing software for written communication. -
The first emoticon is used
The first emoticon, a smiley face created using keyboard characters, is used in an email message by computer scientist Scott Fahlman -
The introduction of the Apple Macintosh
The introduction of the Apple Macintosh makes personal computers more accessible and user-friendly, leading to increased adoption and use of computers for written communication. -
Microsoft Windows is released
Microsoft Windows is released, making it easier for non-technical users to use personal computers for written communication. -
The first mobile phone with SMS capabilities is released
The first mobile phone with SMS (Short Message Service) capabilities is released, paving the way for the widespread use of text messaging. -
Invention of the first web browser
The first web browser, called WorldWideWeb, is invented by Tim Berners-Lee, making it easier for people to access information online. -
The launch of Windows 95
The launch of Windows 95 makes personal computers more accessible and user-friendly, leading to increased adoption and use of computers for written communication. -
Hotmail is launched
Hotmail, the first web-based email service, is launched, making it easier for people to access their email from any device with an internet connection. -
AOL is launched
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), one of the first instant messaging platforms, is launched, enabling real-time written communication between users. -
Google is founded
Google is founded, revolutionizing the way people search for and find information online. -
The first blogging platforms are created
The first blogging platforms, like LiveJournal and Blogger, are created, enabling individuals to publish their writing online and connect with others who share their interests. -
First Social media platform launched
The rise of social media begins, with the launch of Friendster, a social networking platform that enables users to connect with friends and meet new people online -
Wikipedia is launched
Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia that allows anyone to create or edit articles, is launched. -
The first version of Skype is released
The first version of Skype, a video and voice calling app, is released. -
Facebook is launched
Facebook is launched, becoming one of the most popular social networking platforms in the world. -
YouTube is launched
YouTube, a video sharing platform, is launched, enabling users to upload and share videos online. -
Twitter is launched
Twitter, a microblogging platform that allows users to share short messages or "tweets," is launched. -
The first iPhone is released
The first iPhone is released, revolutionizing the smartphone industry and leading to the widespread adoption of mobile devices. -
The use of hashtags becomes popular
The use of hashtags on social media platforms like Twitter becomes popular, allowing users to easily find and participate in conversations around specific topics. -
The first version of WhatsApp is released
The first version of WhatsApp, a mobile messaging app, is released, quickly becoming one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. -
Instagram was launched
Instagram, an online social network service for photograph and video sharing, was launched -
Snapchat is launched
Snapchat, a messaging app that allows users to send photos and videos that disappear after a set amount of time, is launched. -
Instagram introduces Instagram Stories
Instagram introduces Instagram Stories, a feature that allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. -
The #MeToo movement spreads rapidly
The #MeToo movement spreads rapidly on social media, with millions of people using the hashtag to share stories of sexual harassment and assault. -
TikTok becomes one of the most popular apps in the world
TikTok, a short-form video sharing app, becomes one of the most popular apps in the world, particularly among younger users. -
Zoom and Microsoft Teams became essential tools
The COVID-19 pandemic leads to a surge in online communication and remote work, accelerating the adoption of digital tools for written communication.Video conferencing and virtual meeting platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams become essential tools for remote work and online education -
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widespread
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing and language processing becomes more widespread, with tools like GPT-3 capable of generating human-like text. -
The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) become more common
The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in written content creation and consumption becomes more common, allowing for more immersive and interactive experiences.