Communication Shift from 1980 to 2009

Article by: Lani Rosales on October 6, 2009

communication shift

My, how times have changed!

As a child of the 80s, living in a small town, I remember watching Mash with my grandparents and answering the rotary phone, “Hello, this is the Anglin residence” at age 3. Now, I have Twitter direct messages coming to my smartphone… my how times have changed! We wanted to share this infographic with you outlining the massive shift in advertising, but I would argue that it more clearly demonstrates a definite shift in communication. No longer are we limited by an ivory wall-mounted phone with the tangled cord, we are liberated to communicate in a number of ways.

This shift is a blessing in that individuals can reach each other more directly and readily yet it is a challenge for brands to be present in as many places as possible and by some, the shift is seen as a loss of control (no more can a mega company rely exclusively on their domination of the press and saturated print and tv advertising realms).

Communication shift

How has communication changed in YOUR world? What do you think of when you think of communication in 1980?

click image to enlarge, image courtesy of barcelonas chiringuito

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About the author

Lani Rosales

Co-founder of New Media Lab and new media consultant, Lani is a native Austinite (although she spent time in Mexico and Spain). She studied English Literature at the University of Texas and has an extensive background in marketing and brand building, and has lived and breathed social media for years. She's an avid Twitter user and is an influential New Media advocate.


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