Media Timeline

  • 40,000 BCE

    Cave Painting

    Cave Painting
    DESCRIPTION: In archaeology, cave paintings are a type of parietal art (which category also includes petroglyphs, or engravings), found on the wall or ceilings of caves. The term usually implies prehistoric origin. Discussion around prehistoric art is important in understanding the history of the Homo sapiens species and how Homo sapiens have come to have unique abstract thoughts.
  • 4000 BCE

    Clay Tablets

    Clay Tablets
    DESCRIPTION: In the Ancient Near East, clay tablets were used as a writing medium, especially for writing in cuneiform, throughout the Bronze Age and well into the Iron Age. Cuneiform characters were imprinted on a wet clay tablet with a stylus often made of reed (reed pen). Once written upon, many tablets were dried in the sun or air, remaining fragile.
  • 2900 BCE

    Papyrus

    Papyrus
    DESCRIPTION: Papyrus is a material similar to thick paper that was used in ancient times as a writing surface. It was made from the pith of the papyrus plant, Cyperus papyrus, a wetland sedge. Papyrus can also refer to a document written on sheets of such material, joined side by side and rolled up into a scroll, an early form of a book.
  • 1440 BCE

    Printing Press

    Printing Press
    DESCRIPTION: A printing press is a mechanical device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a print medium (such as paper or cloth), thereby transferring the ink. It marked a dramatic improvement on earlier printing methods in which the cloth, paper, or other medium was brushed or rubbed repeatedly to achieve the transfer of ink and accelerated the process.
  • Newspaper

    Newspaper
    DESCRIPTION: A newspaper is a periodical publication containing written information about current events and is often typed in black ink with a white or gray background.
    PERSONAL INSIGHTS: Local newspapers play a vital role in fostering community engagement by covering local events, politics, and human-interest stories. They serve as a platform for local voices and help build a sense of belonging among residents.
  • Magazine

    Magazine
    DESCRIPTION: A magazine is a periodical publication, generally published on a regular schedule (often weekly or monthly), containing a variety of content. They are generally financed by advertising, purchase price, prepaid subscriptions, or by a combination of the three.
  • Telegraph

    Telegraph
    DESCRIPTION: Telegraphy is the long-distance transmission of messages where the sender uses symbolic codes, known to the recipient, rather than a physical exchange of an object bearing the message. Thus flag semaphore is a method of telegraphy, whereas pigeon post is not. Were generally not capable of transmitting arbitrary text messages. Possible messages were fixed and predetermined, so such systems are thus not true telegraphs.
  • Typewriter

    Typewriter
    DESCRIPTION: A typewriter is a mechanical or electromechanical machine for typing characters. Typically, a typewriter has an array of keys, and each one causes a different single character to be produced on paper by striking an inked ribbon selectively against the paper with a type element. At the end of the nineteenth century, the term 'typewriter' was also applied to a person who used such a device.
  • Telephone

    Telephone
    DESCRIPTION: A typewriter is a mechanical or electromechanical machine for typing characters. Typically, a typewriter has an array of keys, and each one causes a different single character to be produced on paper by striking an inked ribbon selectively against the paper with a type element. At the end of the nineteenth century, the term 'typewriter' was also applied to a person who used such a device.
  • Motion picture

    Motion picture
    DESCRIPTION: It is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere through the use of moving images.
    PERSONAL INSIGHTS: The film industry continues to evolve with advancements in technology, changing audience preferences, and shifting distribution models. Movies adapt to new formats, platforms, and trends, ensuring their relevance in an ever-changing media landscape.
  • Transistor radio

    Transistor radio
    DESCRIPTION: A transistor radio is a small portable radio receiver that uses transistor-based circuitry. Following the invention of the transistor in 1947 which revolutionized the field of consumer electronics by introducing small but powerful, convenient hand-held devices—the Regency TR-1 was released in 1954 becoming the first commercial transistor radio.
  • television

    television
    DESCRIPTION: Television (TV) is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. The term can refer to a television set, or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertising, entertainment, and news.
    PERSONAL INSIGHTS: Television plays a significant role in shaping cultural norms, values, and attitudes. It reflects societal trends, influences fashion and language, and introduces viewers to different lifestyles, perspectives, and traditions.
  • Internet

    Internet
    DESCRIPTION: The Internet is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite to communicate between networks and devices.
    PERSONAL INSIGHTS: The internet has revolutionized communication, allowing people to connect with others across the globe instantly. Whether it's through social media, email, or video calls, the internet has made the world feel smaller and more interconnected.
  • Smartphone

    Smartphone
    DESCRIPTION: A smartphone (often simply called a phone) is a mobile device that combines the functionality of a traditional mobile phone with advanced computing capabilities.
    PERSONAL INSIGHTS: As smartphones become increasingly integrated into daily life, there's a risk of over-reliance on technology for basic tasks and decision-making. Balancing technological dependency with offline experiences and human interaction is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
  • Podcast

    Podcast
    DESCRIPTION: Podcasts are primarily an audio medium, with some programs offering a supplemental video component
    PERSONAL INSIGHTS: Podcasts have become an integral part of modern media consumption, offering a unique blend of entertainment, education, and community building. Their popularity continues to grow as more listeners discover the diverse range of content available and embrace the immersive and intimate nature of podcasting.