In the late 1900s, the development of the computer drastically changed modern technology. With inventors continuously improving the software and programming, the computer quickly transformed into an ingenious, staple product in every household. It’s hard to believe that around sixty years ago, people were just embracing the computer as a new way of communicating. These individuals never even dreamed of using the inventions that are “normal” to us today. Social media websites, webcams, and handheld touch screen phones- that might I add talk to you! – continue to amaze many with their ways of virtual communication.

The past year has shown extreme advancements in technology that have drastically changed the way we communicate. The new Iphone 4S allows users to talk to Siri and ask her questions. For example, if you ask Siri to send a text message to your friend that says ‘I miss you,’ your message will appear on the screen- all you have to do is hit send. Along with Apple’s advanced Ipad, a touchscreen handheld tablet that you can pretty much do anything on, it’s obvious that new gadgets will continue to progress into the future – perhaps to the point where we can speak and command our phones, cars, computers, and televisions, on what we wish to do.

Although technology is rapidly shifting towards a high tech future, social media doesn’t have a problem keeping up with it. Sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube symbolize how far communication has come. Last month, a video on Youtube titled ‘Kony 2012’ became the most viral video within just a few days, reaching millions of hits on the video-sharing site. Shortly after the video was viewed worldwide, people then took to social media sites Facebook and Twitter to spread the meaning of this video to the world. In just one day, the creators of the Kony 2012 video managed to make Joseph Kony known worldwide.

Social media sites have put a new spin on how we share information with others. Twitter, Youtube, and Facebook have become omnipotent: if you have something you want to get out to the world, the easiest and most accessible way to do so is post it on a site. We can now connect with people in China, Russia, Ireland, or Spain with the click of a button. It may seem overwhelming to think about just how unbelievable the idea of this is, yet its abilities only bring about positive connections. We have the power to speak up. There’s a whole world of people out there waiting to hear what you have to say; Just click.