CONTEMPORARY COMMUNICATION:

Contemporary communication technologies are actively reshaping cultural norms, practices, and modes of social interaction. In a recent qualitative study that explored the relationship between technological growth and cultural development, it argued that, “Technology acts as a catalyst for cultural exchange, innovation and adaptation, enabling unprecedented global communication and the exchange of ideas” (Alsaleh, 2024). Modern communication technologies such as IoT, 5G, AI, and cloud computing have given rise to new mediums for interaction and information exchange. Social media, cloud-based spaces, and AI-driven interfaces are just a few of the new mediums changing communication and culture. Research has proven that mediums shape the message and how it is received (Oba, 2024). This is why culture, societies values and norms, are rapidly evolving. Communication technology is influencing social behavior and shaping culture by how we connect, communicate, share knowledge, and build relationships. This matter has a far-reaching impact on communication, touching individuals, companies, and government bodies alike.

Communication continues to evolve in dynamic and multifaceted ways. As humanity and technology progress, so does the way in which we communicate and the meaning we give it. From the telegraph’s use of electromagnetic technology in the 1830s to today’s reliance on text message’s Short Message Service (SMS), the medium through which we communicate shapes the message itself. Nelissen (2018) claims that digital slang, termed digilect by Hungarian Linguistic Professor Agnes Veszelski, is the new language of digital media. From emoji usage to modified spelling and grammar, technology is fundamentally transforming the way we communicate. We are currently experiencing a period of rapid transformation, unmatched since the Third Industrial Revolution—the pivotal shift from analog to digital technologies. This rapid advancement in communication often follows significant events, such as COVID-19, which alter social norms and values (Koh, 2024). Many refer to this era as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, marked by intelligent automation and data-driven systems such as artificial intelligence (AI). Social and digital media influence behavior and shape culture by transforming how individuals connect, communicate, share knowledge, and build relationships (Strasburger, 2023). Technology has disrupted traditional communication pathways and created new digital landscapes. In order to stay current, savvy communicators will need to adapt and anticipate future shifts.