By Deja Watts
The origin of Public Relations (P.R.) can be traced back to some of the earliest forms of communication, such as cave drawings, during the Dawn of the Ages B.C. Since then, we have gone through the Age of Print (1440-1831), the Age of Mass Media (the 1800s-1970s), and lastly, the current Age of Digital Media (1969-). Feel free to explore past ages in the source links below; however, we will focus on more recent developments. The internet was created on Oct. 29, 1969, by Stanford University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This led to emails being created in 1971, international communication in 1973, the origin of I.P. in 1974, and history. Corporations, law enforcement, and government agencies began to use the internet for crisis communication (Tylenol murders of 1982). This period is the foundation for the way governments communicate with citizens, how businesses communicate with customers, and how loved ones communicate with one another. Now, in the present day of Public Relations, it is the Age of Social Media. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and many more social media platforms have taken over the internet for the past 10+ years. With the rise of these social media, many governments, businesses, and individuals all have social media accounts. Governments and businesses have had to ensure a high level of clear communication with their audiences. Messages can often be misconstrued or misunderstood when a person cannot hear or see the expression behind them. For this reason, governments and businesses have to be extremely mindful when relaying messages. In addition to this, society is constantly changing. Ten years ago, society was less sensitive to harsh words, realities, and some inequalities (LGBTQ+). Now, following last year’s rise of unrest in the U.S. due to inequality (police shootings, etc.), the national divide because of the presidential election, and the global pandemic, society has become increasingly sensitive to many different causes. What does this have to do with P.R.? Everything! All of these factors determine how governments and businesses interact and communicate with their audience. P.R. teams have to determine when it is best to address an issue, how it will be addressed, and in some cases, what stance the company will take. For example, many businesses stood with the #BlackLivesMatter movement last year, while some took an objective approach (supported BLM & law enforcement) or said nothing at all on the matter. In conclusion, Public Relations strategies and approaches change with the times. In this field, it is vital to have a general understanding of everything. Read the latest news articles, click on exciting pieces of information, and constantly expand your knowledge. The more you know, the less you don’t know, and the more you can contribute to solving important societal issues. Be mindful, calculated, and strategic in not only P.R. but in everything you do! Sources: Public Relations Through the Ages: A Timeline of Social Movements, Technology Milestones and the Rise of the Profession.* https://www.prmuseum.org/pr-timeline The History of the Internet and the Colleges That Built It. https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2013/11/history-internet-and-colleges-built-it
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AuthorBowie State University SPR Group Student Blog Archives
May 2022
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