EOTO #1, Invention of the Telephone

The telephone was a major communications advancement. It revolutionized the way we communicate with each other and created more efficient communication. The telephone changed our ideas of privacy, business communication, literacy, education, and overall society. 

History of the Telephone

The telephone was first invented in 1849 by Antonio Meucci, however, it is highly accredited to Graham Bell who won the US patent for the invention in 1876. In 1878 the first telephone line was created and within 3 years there were 49,000 telephones in use. This was just the beginning of the widespread use of the telephone. In 1915, the transcontinental telephone line began operating, and the telephone became a staple in the US within 50 years. This was just the start of the spread of this massive communication advancement. 

Privacy After the Telephone

The telephone changed a lot of things in the United States. One thing that changed was privacy. At first, public phones were very popular. This allowed for other people to be able to hear private conversations. Another type of phone that was popular was the party line. This was a telephone line that connected multiple houses. This could become an issue for privacy because any one of your neighbors would be able to pick up the phone and hear your call. This created a concept of being a good ‘phone neighbor’. A good phone neighbor would make their calls short, not hog the line, and if the line was already in use, put the phone down and wait a few minutes to try again for your call. The invention of the telephone also popularized telemarketers and spam. This was also considered an invasion of privacy. Although there were negative effects on privacy because of the telephone, it also helped protect privacy in some ways. The telephone permitted people to share information without writing it down. This helped for talking to doctors, or lawyers about private things. The telephone also replaced unexpected visits from relatives or the appearance of door-to-door salesmen, because they would call instead. With all different kinds of advancements to the telephone, there still remain concerns and protections involving privacy. 

Effect on Business Communication

Business communication was another change that resulted from the invention of the telephone. The telephone made it easier and more efficient for businesses to communicate internally and externally. Sending messages became much more efficient. This would help with things like advertisement, or the sharing of general information. The telephone also expanded on the area a business could reach. This helped businesses or a national scale to get their product or service out there. Lastly, the telephone would help to build a stronger network of customers. This came from the ability to reach different areas with their message. 

Changes in Literacy and Education

Another change that the telephone created was changes in literacy and education. Before the telephone, communication was spread from writing. Letters were a popular way to get one's message out. Writing strengthened intrapersonal skills but the telephone worked to move society back towards focusing on oral communication rather than written communication. The telephone created a stronger communal feel to society. Verbal communication stresses the importance of listening, group learning, cooperation, and a sense of social responsibility. Educationally, the way students learned after the telephone was invented changed. Although there was still a reliance on written language in textbooks to learn, the telephone and advances in the telephone led to new access to information.

Effects on Society

There were also overall societal changes that resulted from the invention of the telephone. There was new efficiency in sharing ideas, beliefs, and events. Working with others became easier. This helped with things like new ideas and inventions. Also, the thought process of individuals became more self-reflective. In written language, you could take your time to make sure you were saying the right thing. With the invention of the telephone, people were more careful about what they said, and it became a bigger thing to think before you speak. 

The overall effect of the telephone struck the United States on a national level. The telephone still continues to affect the way we do things and communicate. As technological advancements happen, we are able to change the way communication works.