104-year-old comic predicts what would happen if ‘pocket telephones’ were invented and it’s scarily accurate
Centennial Comic Predicts Personal Cell Phones with Startling Accuracy
A century-old newspaper comic has become a sensation on social media for its uncanny prediction of personal cell phones. In a world filled with modern marvels, it’s surprising to think that someone could have foreseen the technological leaps we’ve made.
However, a comic strip published in the British tabloid The Mirror on March 5, 1919, is proof that such foresight existed. Drawn by W. K. Haselden, the comic titled ‘The Pocket Telephone: When Will It Ring’ envisioned a future where individuals would have personal telephones, now eerily familiar to our own experiences.
The comic humorously portrayed a man’s phone ringing at inconvenient moments, capturing relatable scenarios we encounter today. From missing a train to holding a baby, juggling a briefcase and a package, attending a concert, and even during a wedding – the predictions strikingly mirror the frustrations of modern life.
A particularly amusing moment in the comic depicts the man attempting to talk on the phone while it’s raining, highlighting the unforeseen ease of communication in the future. Shared on social media platforms, including Reddit, the comic sparked discussions about its accurate portrayal of cell phone use.
One Reddit user jokingly remarked, “He correctly predicted the kind of twat who doesn’t know how to set notifications to silent,” while another playfully questioned the idea of answering a phone call in the rain.
Despite its spot-on predictions, users couldn’t help but point out the absence of a mute switch in the comic’s envisioned technology. Some humorously suggested modifications to the narrative, adding a twist to the prediction.
The comic’s enduring relevance was pondered by a user who mused, “It’s so fascinating. The same technology that permitted the phone also permits us to silence the phone. But the spirit of the prediction is still true because that same technology permits all the applications that still distract us nonetheless!”
As we marvel at this century-old foresight, one can’t help but wonder what other technological surprises the future holds, perhaps echoing concerns raised by iconic works like Terminator about the rise of artificial intelligence.
