And through multiple communication applications, these so-called social media, which have become the mediator that connects people, as well as one of the most important means of knowledge in the modern era, and even an integral part of different areas of life like e-commerce and industry. Media History, Getty. The Internet. Since the mid-1990s, the Internet has had a revolutionary impact on communication, notably with the rise of near-instantaneous communication by email, instant messaging. The National History Day NHD Communication in History: The Key to Understanding asks students to think about how people have communicated with each other across time and space. Newspapers are often a key part of the historical research process and this essay provides ideas on how to analyze and use them. Since the bursting of the Internet bubble, technology has radically transformed our societies and our daily lives. From smartphones to social media to healthcare, here's a brief history of the 21st century technological revolution. Just a few years ago, the dotcom bubble burst, causing the stocks of many technology companies to plummet.