Media theorists tend to understand information technology as a non-neutral aspect of culture. These scholars recognize characteristics of cognition and interaction that are attributed to the effects of information technologies. Walter Ong used the term primary orality to describe cultures that are free of writing, so the only way to recall was to “think memorable thoughts” (Ong 1982, p. 34). In addition to language full of mnemonics and redundant elements to facilitate memory making, language is word or person centric language. In these cultures, one is likely to (for example) describe a heroic person rather than to identify the traits of a hero. Likewise, an elder is demonstrating orality when using parables to resolve differences and make judgments rather than rules, and the judgments are likely to vary depending on the situation. In these ways, oral cultures avoid abstractions in their language and thought. Because the gateway skills of reading and writing are unnecessary, cultures that demonstrate primary orality are also characterized by participatory communication and reduced generational differences compared to cultures with literacy.
Once cultures invent (or accept) writing, memory becomes more permanent, so the capacity for abstract concepts enters the culture. Language becomes concept-centered rather than person centered; and consistent laws, money, and sacred texts become possible. In addition, there becomes a concentration of political power in those individual who are more skilled than other in reading and writing. In many ways, writing is a limiting method of communication, however. Writing relies on uses fewer senses than speaking, and intonation, gestures, and other cues are absent in writing. Further, writing is permanent and unchanging, so unclear or ambiguous passages can cause confusion.
As print and then electronic media (radio, movies, and television) emerged, further societal changes occurred. Information became more widely available, but also more controlled as producing books and broadcasting programs was a very expensive endeavor. Electronic media in many ways reintroduced characteristics of primary orality back into literate cultures as large groups consumed the same media at the same time (although they may have been alone when they watched the broadcast), and watching and listening engaged more senses than reading.
Reference
Ong, W. (1982). Orality and Literacy. Routledge.