This Is The Future Of Communication Thanks To Technology

For many of us, we’ve seen a huge evolution in how we communicate over our lifetime. And we have communication technology to thank for it.

A 2014 Gallup survey asked respondents to think about how they had communicated the day before. In total, 73 percent had sent or read a text, with 39 percent communicating “a lot” via text. In regards to social media, 55 percent had read or sent a message via a social platform. On the flip side, 53 percent had not used a home landline.

We’ve gone from landlines to FaceTime; snail mail to tweets. Further developments in communication technology are continuing to change how and what we say. Now we not only “talk” with family, friends, and business partners, but also with machines, cities, and intangibles like the cloud.

Here are five tech tools that are transforming the way we communicate:

1. Wearable Health Tech

It seems strange, but wearable tech is creating new ways for us to listen to our bodies. Smartwatches and devices like FitBit, monitor our vitals and help us better understand our health. By monitoring the steps we take, the calories we burn, and our exercise and sleep habits, wearable tech can tell us how well our bodies are functioning and empower us to make healthier choices.

These types of technologies have also created a new support system to help us achieve our health goals. Before, the best way for your friends and family to encourage you while exercising was for them to run right alongside you. Now, your friends can follow your progress and cheer you on from wherever they are.

2. The Internet of Things

The idea of the Internet of Things has been around for awhile. The more we create and integrate devices that communicate with each other, the bigger it gets. And while a Nielson survey found that 58 percent of consumers are doubtful of smart products now, respondents are sure everyone will wonder how they lived without them in 20 years.  

One of the most interesting aspects of the Internet of Things and communication technology is that it not only increases the number of devices that speak to each other, but also how frequently we talk with digital beings.

And this is expanding into every aspect of the world around us. Cities, like Santander, Spain, are becoming smart cities. Between mobile devices and sensors placed strategically throughout the city, smart cities can now communicate with citizens and government officials. Information about everything from available parking spaces to streetlight activation is passed from tech to humans.

3. Clouded Services and Skills

In hindsight, the fact that businesses ever survived without the cloud astounds me. Think about how much easier it is to communicate and collaborate across companies, industries, and continents now. Thanks to the latest tech advances, we can not only access whatever documents we need wherever we need them, but also use other clouded resources like services and skill-sets to our advantage.

Entire projects can be completed without team members ever meeting or verbally speaking. From brainstorming to development to launch, it can all be done within the cloud.

Take Coplex, a company I founded that helps startups build and iterate their products, for example. Our startup customers have access to the well-trained teams when they need them regardless of their industry, size, or location through our network of team members.

4. Big Data

A 2015 IDG Enterprise report found that, over the previous year, there was a 125 percent increase in the number of companies with data-driven projects. While you might think that only large corporations have a use for it, big data has applications and implications for small startups and even individuals.

At its core, big data allows organizations to refine their business strategies in order to better meet the needs and wants of its customers. As a consumer, big data allows you to talk to organizations without opening your mouth.

You no longer need to send an email about your opinion of their product or business. Your Internet and purchase history does the talking for you. So, without anyone saying a word, there’s a line of communication between businesses and consumers that makes the former more effective and the latter more satisfied.

5. Project Loon

While this last one isn’t up and running yet, its impact on communication technology is too big to ignore.

According to Internet Live Stats, only 40 percent of the world population currently has access to the Internet. Project Loon, a Google sponsored initiative, is developing ways to use balloons floating on the edge of space to provide everyone on Earth with Internet. Everyone.

This would close the communication gap across the globe. No matter where a person is, they’d be connected. Separated families could better keep in touch. Students could learn about scientific advances occurring on other continents. Third-world doctors would be able to talk to leading experts about the health care of their patients.

Considering how much the rise of the Internet affected a select portion of the population’s lives, imagine the changes in communication that would develop if there were no Internet connection barriers left.

What other communication technology is changing the way we “speak?” Share in the comments below!

About Ilya Pozin:

Serial entrepreneur, writer and investor. Founder of Pluto TV, Coplex, and Open Me (acquired by Rowl). Writer for Forbes and Inc. Husband 1x, father 2x, entrepreneur 3x. Follow Ilya below to stay up-to-date.