The Social Effects of Communication Technology

This report reviews, in a nontechnical fashion, the principal technological developments that underlie the communication revolution, especially the transistor and the computer. A number of devices and communication subsystems that make use of these developments are described, together with the new capabilities that they permit. The principal discussion centers on possible social consequences of the communication revolution and indicates some policy questions they raise. In some cases changes are already under way. Social effects are discussed in the fields of education, political behavior, crime, economic life, governmental regulatory action, and the quality of life. There is reason for both optimism and pessimism about these various effects, but considerably more analysis, research, and social experience will be required to foresee future developments and enable steps to be taken that will increase the chances of favorable outcomes. Some guidelines are provided for research on the social effects of communication technology.