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Before/After Of Pope Announcement Shows Incredible Proliferation Of Mobile In Just 8 Years

NBC's Today Show provided a little insight today about how mobile has changed society with a comparison of two images from St. Peter's Square: the announcement of Pope Benedict in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013. At a celebration for a tradition that extends back nearly two millennia, the rapid proliferation of technology into everyday society is visually striking and telling.

David J. Hill
Mar 14, 2013

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It's hard sometimes to gauge just how much things have changed with the surge in mobile devices. Sure, we know they're popular, are loaded with awesome cameras and apps, and ensure we're connected to the digital world throughout the day, but how have these devices changed society as a whole?

Fortunately, NBC's Today Show provided a little insight today with a comparison of two images from St. Peter's Square during the announcement of Pope Benedict in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013. It speaks volumes about the changes the world is experiencing today:

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Now, it isn't as if the people outside of the Vatican in 2005 didn't have gadgets on them. Many were taking photos with cameras and certainly more had cell phones with them than is shown in the image. However, the 2013 photo shows the surge of mobile devices and how capturing key moments in life digitally has become increasingly important, not only for personal memories but sharing through social media. This is happening at many events around the world as well, as many who attend music concerts have experienced.

At a celebration for a tradition that extends back nearly two millennia, the rapid proliferation of technology into everyday society is visually striking and telling.

David started writing for Singularity Hub in 2011 and served as editor-in-chief of the site from 2014 to 2017 and SU vice president of faculty, content, and curriculum from 2017 to 2019. His interests cover digital education, publishing, and media, but he'll always be a chemist at heart.

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