From Primitive Grunts to Chatbots: The Evolution of Communication
amsterdam, vrijdag, 18 juli 2025.
The history of human communication, from primitive sounds to advanced AI-chatbots, is explored in this article. From the invention of writing to the advent of smartphones and AI, each step has fundamentally changed our methods of sharing and receiving information. Discover how modern technologies such as AI and AR/VR are continually enriching and transforming communication.
From Primitive Grunts to Writing
The history of human communication began with primitive sounds and gestures, essential for the survival of early humans. Around 100,000 years ago, humans started making more complex sounds due to the evolution of the larynx, leading to the development of primitive languages [1]. The invention of writing occurred approximately 5,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, where the first pictograms and cuneiform writing systems appeared [1]. These developments laid the foundation for the communication we know today.
The Rise of Electronic Communication
The invention of the telegraph in the 19th century marked the beginning of electronic communication, followed by the telephone in 1876, which enabled real-time voice communication [1]. Radio and television transformed communication into a multimedia experience, allowing people to hear and see global events [1]. The advent of computers and the internet ushered in a new era of digital communication, with email, instant messaging, and social media fundamentally changing how information is shared and consumed [1].
AI and Modern Communication
In the 21st century, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most significant developments in communication. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa are increasingly integrated into our daily lives [1]. The development of Large Language Models such as GPT has led to AI systems that can understand and generate human language at a level previously unimaginable [1]. These technologies aid in reaching various audiences, improving information transfer, and measuring the effectiveness of information campaigns [1].
Applications in Public Information and Communication
AI plays a crucial role in modern public information and communication. Personalized information provision is a key application, where AI algorithms tailor content to individual preferences and needs [1]. Chatbots for public services help citizens get their questions answered faster and more efficiently, enhancing the accessibility of information [1]. AI-driven information campaigns can deliver more targeted and effective messages through data analysis and machine learning [1].
Benefits and Challenges
The benefits of AI in communication are numerous. It helps make complex information accessible to diverse audiences, improves the efficiency of communication processes, and enables organizations to reach larger numbers of people with personalized messages [1]. However, AI also presents challenges, such as privacy concerns, inclusivity, and reliability. Many professional communication experts and marketers are hesitant to use AI due to the fear of errors; 41 percent of marketers, communication, and sales professionals prefer to work without AI to avoid mistakes [7]. This hesitancy is particularly strong within government organizations, where half avoid using AI [7].
Practical Examples and Ethics
There are many practical examples of successful AI applications in public information. In January 2025, the Dicastery for Communication of the Vatican published the document ‘Antiqua et Nova,’ which emphasizes the ethical responsibilities and the Church’s mission to guide AI towards the common good [4]. The FIR Podcast Network will release an interview with Monsignor Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Section for Culture at the Vatican, discussing the relationship between artificial and human intelligence [5]. Additionally, the Learning Education Network (LEN) offers 100 free scholarships for an online master’s program in digital communication and marketing with AI, providing professionals the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in these areas [6].
Future Perspectives
The future of communication is shaped by the ongoing development of AI and related technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These technologies promise to make communication even more immersive and interactive, offering new possibilities for education, entertainment, and business applications [1]. Nevertheless, questions about the ethical and legal implications of these technologies must be carefully considered to maximize the benefits of AI while managing the risks [1][7].