"Writing on the Wall: Social Media - The First 2,000 Years" by Tom Standage explores the history and evolution of social communication, tracing its development from ancient times to our modern digital age. The book presents social media as a longstanding part of human interaction, highlighting how platforms for sharing thoughts and ideas have changed but the underlying human desire to connect and communicate has remained constant across centuries.
Standage delves into various historical forms of social media, such as letters, pamphlets, and the printing press, illustrating how each innovation transformed society. He demonstrates that social media is not merely a contemporary phenomenon but a continuation of a long tradition of people using technology to express themselves and engage with others, shaping public discourse over time.
Ultimately, this work prompts readers to reconsider their understanding of social media, positioning it not just as a modern tool but as part of an enduring human practice. By connecting the past with the present, Standage encourages reflection on how social media can influence culture, politics, and personal relationships in today's world.