SMSci-Fi: a telecommunications dream
They say dreams are free. So are texting, I have to add (well, almost free, lol).
There is a great legacy about the messages that are transmitted to the universe to attract extraterrestrial life, if any. I can recall in my memory the Arecibo message, which was a demonstration of human technological achievement, rather than an actual attempt to strike up a conversation with aliens. However, the most prominent among them is the Voyager Gold Record. It certainly has beautiful selections from the nature of the earth and the achievements of mankind.
However, wouldn’t it be nice if humans could also send messages to the universe?
SMS messaging is the most common form of communication in the 21st century. Why not use bulk SMS for aliens and communicate with our intergalactic friends?
Technology takes such leaps and bounds, so I guess we don’t have to worry about the transmission itself. After all, it is the idea that will generate the technological need.
Now that I think about it, there couldn’t be a better representation of humanity, other than everyday text messages. Because everything we do, everything that matters to us, our parents, friends and jobs is reflected through our communication.
Instead of receiving delivery notifications (scary now?), A simple broadcast report can be provided.
A bulk SMS company could give this project a futuristic name and offer the opportunity for everyone to send a text message. They can even conduct research on what people would want to say to aliens and create SMS templates. There will be no language barriers, no cultural filtering, just a direct and genuine message.
People can send bulk SMS to Aliens with daily messages of their own choosing and have the opportunity to directly access any life form outside of our little planet.
Now honestly, would you mind saving some SMS for this purpose? SMS-style communications are transmitted in the hope that alien life forms will intercept them and discover Earth. Get your own message across, regardless of what NASA deems important?
I’m not talking about fatalism, karma believers, and universe-is-with you followers. Only counting on the mere chance, the possibilities and the power that mass messaging can have. Even if there is no life beyond earth, or if my SMS will never be read, I will take a chance for the fun of it.
Writing a text will never be the same again. “Spacing” between words will always remind me of my distant recipients.
