Communication technologies are celebrated for transforming society, not transmitting faster

Evidence

The revolutionary potential of these “improvements” in communication does not derive from the prosaic facts about them—more information sent faster and farther with greater fidelity. Instead, their attraction resides in the supposed capacity to transform the commonplace into the extraordinary: to create novel forms of human community, new standards of efficiency and progress, newer and more democratic forms of politics, and finally to usher a “new man” into history. — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 729

Categorization

• XREF: Foreshadows the central transmission-vs-ritual distinction Carey develops in chapter 1; the ‘new man’ promise is the transmission view’s millenarian face. — connects to: Electronics’ core meaning is enlarged social scale and centralizing power, not entertainment — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 556; Communication technology shapes culture through interests, symbols, and community — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 622; Modern communications technology has fundamentally reshaped human consciousness and social relations (+8 more)
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 729

Broader Connections

• Modern communications technology has fundamentally reshaped human consciousness and social relations #corroborates (0.90)
• The ritual view of communication maintains society in time through shared beliefs #expands (0.75) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 161
• Mechanical communication growth did not necessarily expand freedom and knowledge #qualifies (0.70) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 650
• Instant communication technology transformed colonial rule into imperial control. #exemplifies (0.65) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 808
• Improved communication technology increases misunderstanding between groups #complicates (0.60) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 640
• The telegraph became a model for how people conceptualized communication #exemplifies (0.60) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 775