Evolution of Society and the Importance of Sharing Information
In the realm of social creatures, human beings stand out for their extraordinary capacity for communication. This capacity, a fundamental need, has been the driving force behind our evolution and the development of technology.
The human brain, particularly the neocortex, has undergone a significant expansion and specialization over time, enhancing our abilities for complex social behaviour and sophisticated communication. Regions like the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and amyggdala facilitate social status and trust dynamics among individuals, essential for stable social groups and cooperation [1][4].
Genetic studies suggest that many human-specific genetic variants affecting cortical morphology and intelligence arose within the last few hundred thousand years. These genes are highly expressed in language-related brain regions, indicating an evolutionary link between enhanced communication abilities and brain structure [2][3].
Cognitive mechanisms for social trust and status recognition modulate decision-making and learning in social contexts, relying on specialized neural circuits in the neocortex and interconnected brain areas [1]. This enhanced language and social cognition has driven the sharing of information on larger scales, leading to the invention and refinement of technologies for mass communication.
The printing press, for instance, allowed ideas to be shared more easily and with more people. It facilitated mass communication, much like the telephone, which became commercially available for installation in homes due to public pressure [5]. Email, with Hotmail leading the way, was adopted incredibly swiftly, even faster than the telephone [6].
The advent of the internet and social networks, such as MySpace, which arrived nearly 15 years after the Internet began, and Facebook, whose international reach took off at the start of 2007, have further revolutionized communication [7][8]. These platforms have demonstrated an incredible reach, with nearly everyone you know likely to have a Facebook account [9].
The ability to link people together has made offerings accessible to a global marketplace. Products that drive our ability to communicate with each other have a huge advantage over those that don't. Communication, therefore, is a powerful way to gain users and customers [10].
In a more contemporary context, the course "Psychology of E-Commerce: How to Sell Online" delves deeper into these topics, providing insights into how our evolutionary neurocognitive foundation for social intelligence has influenced the trajectory of technological innovations supporting mass communication [11].
In conclusion, the evolution of the human brain's neocortex has not only allowed human beings to navigate complex social environments but also to create and leverage technology to amplify communication across vast populations, transforming societies globally. This neurocognitive foundation for social intelligence has directly influenced the trajectory of technological innovations supporting mass communication [2][3].
References:
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- Deacon, T. (2013). Incomplete nature: How modern humans reason, understand reality, and attain a sense of self. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Tomasello, M., & Call, J. (2008). Primate cognition. MIT Press.
- Hare, B., & Tomasello, M. (2005). The evolution of communication: Primate calls, human language, and the evolution of the vocal tract. In M. Tomasello & J. Call (Eds.), Primate cognition (pp. 315-331). Oxford University Press.
- McChesney, R. N., & Merritt, A. (1994). The history of the American telephone and telegraph company: Volume 1, The monopoly years, 1877-1995. Oxford University Press.
- Kahle, B. (2004). The internet: A brief history. Internet Archive Blogs.
- Palfrey, J. D., & Gasser, U. (2008). Born global: How small companies can go global from day one. Harvard Business Press.
- Boyd, D. M., & Ellison, N. B. (2007). Social network sites: Definition, history, and scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), 210-230.
- Smith, A. (2013). Facebook reaches 1 billion users. The New York Times.
- Kawasaki, G. (2014). Enchantment: The art of moving people to action. Portfolio.
- University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School (2021). Psychology of E-Commerce: How to Sell Online. Coursera.
- UI design plays a significant role in lifestyle and social-media applications, as it helps facilitate seamless communication and interaction between users.
- Fashion-and-beauty brands capitalize on social media by showcasing their products in dynamic and engaging ways, catering to the increasing demand for visual communication.
- Food-and-drink establishments utilize online platforms to share recipes, culinary tips, and dining experiences, fostering a sense of community around shared passions and interests.
- Books, news, and educational resources have become easily accessible through digital platforms, enabling people worldwide to partake in relationship-building discussions, online learning, and career-development opportunities.
- Pop-culture and entertainment industries leverage technology to share movies, music, and TV shows, spurring global conversations and trends across social networks.
- Sci-fi-and-fantasy enthusiasts can engage in online discussions and forums, electing to explore and debate topics such as AI, quantum physics, or parallel universes, stimulating open dialogue and expanding collective knowledge.
