MDSA02H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Technological Convergence, Transcontinental Railroad, Smoke Signal
Document Summary
The telegraph is a communications device that sends information in the form of electic signals along wires. Made it closest to be used by people. Mail is the fastest way to communicate before the telegraph. Technological determinism is the idea that technological innovations determine the direction of the culture. Difficult to think about the telegraph without institutions. Technological convergence refers to a merging of content and functionalities across different media platforms. Media convergence refers to an economic strategy in which various bodies (usually companies) consolidate media holding under on corporate umbrella. One company having its hand in different pods. From 1840 to 1910 the telegraph, news, information services, and stock markets became closely aligned in a soft of media convergence. The telegraph marks the beginning of the information age. Split from print based society to an information age. Have to rely on transportation for the message to get there. 50-65km per day depending on terrain. (snow, smooth ground)
