First Words

“Test.”

First Instagram Post (2010)

Every new communication method, from the earliest telegraph lines to today’s social media networks, starts with a simple message—a test, a greeting, an introduction—along with the hope that someone, somewhere, will hear and respond. These initial words, like the first Instagram post captioned “Test,” may seem unremarkable, but as these platforms evolve, they become part of a larger conversation that spans generations. The new National Communication Museum (NCM) represents another such beginning. Alongside showcasing a physical record of technological innovation, the museum captures the social, political, and personal connections that have shaped our world. In celebrating this new chapter, the NCM draws us to those pivotal moments when a simple message lays the foundation for new chapters in our shared story of connection.

“LO”

First ARPANET Message (1969)

So, how do we begin? Not all beginnings are grand or even intentional. Some are stumbled upon, half-finished or hurried, yet they carry the same weight as the most carefully chosen words. The message “LO”, sent during a test of ARPANET—a precursor to the internet—was supposed to be “LOGIN,” but the system crashed after the first two letters were sent. However, in this incomplete transmission, instead of a command we are left with something unintended yet symbolic: Lo as in “Lo and behold.”[1]

“Joel, I'm calling you from a 'real' cellular telephone. A portable handheld telephone.”

First Cell Phone Call (1973)

The first public call on a handheld cellular telephone was made by Martin Cooper, a Motorola executive, to his rival at Bell Labs. Cooper made the call while standing on Sixth Avenue in New York City holding a prototype of what would become the world’s first commercially available mobile phone.[2] This wasn’t just about changing the way we communicate; it was also a friendly jab at this competition, how very human.

“Merry Christmas”

First SMS (1992)

Some beginnings are delightfully modest, only revealing their significance in hindsight. The first SMS message sent from a computer to a mobile phone was simply “Merry Christmas,” and it went unanswered. It would take another year before mobile phones would be able to both send and receive messages, and even longer before texting transformed communication. Neil Papworth, the sender, later said, “...the fact that it was just Merry Christmas, it's just, you know, I was wishing someone a Merry Christmas. There's no other meaning to it, really."[3] Yet, this seemingly insignificant message marked the start of a revolutionary change in how we connect.

“QWERTYIOP”

First Email? (1971)

The first words of countless innovations—those initial moments of digital or verbal exploration—often slip through the cracks. The first email, sent by Ray Tomlinson, was not recorded or even clearly remembered. As he has said, "The test messages were entirely forgettable…Most likely the first message was QWERTYIOP or something similar."[4] Sometimes the true impact of a new communication tool only becomes evident as it integrates into our daily life and culture.

“just setting up my twttr.”

First Tweet (2006)

The first words transmitted on communication platforms are more than just historical curiosities—they encapsulate the hopes, intentions, and culture of their time. They reflect our desire to connect, share, and innovate. The story of these first words is, in many ways, the story of how we have come to connect with one another across distances and boundaries, both physical and digital. The seemingly offhand first tweet, for instance, became a defining moment in digital history. These early messages are not just about the tools they launched but the connections they enabled. As we continue to find new ways to communicate, these first words remind us of where we started and inspire us to think about where we're headed.

“All right, so here we are in front of the elephants.”

First Words on YouTube (2005)

The first words spoken on YouTube, in a video titled "Me at the zoo," marked the birth of a platform that would revolutionize how we share and consume content. It’s a casual, personal moment with lasting significance—just as we all have our own “first words” on these platforms too. When we scroll back to the beginnings of our Instagram profiles, text message histories, or forgotten email inboxes, we find depictions of our past selves. What were we trying to say? What dreams did we have? How did we see ourselves? These first words are not just relics; they are reflections of our human experience and remind us that every new beginning is part of a larger narrative. The NCM stands as a testament to these milestones, offering visitors a chance to explore, understand, and be inspired by the stories of how we have come to connect and communicate throughout history. So, as you walk through its doors, I hope you take a moment to say, “Hello.”

Camila Galaz

Camila Galaz is an Australian-Chilean multimedia artist, writer, and researcher based in New York. Her work looks at social histories of technology, identity through media archives, and reconsiderations of cultural touchstones. She is the creator and co-host of the podcast Our Friend the Computer with the Media Archaeology Lab, University of Colorado; member of the Superkilogirls research group with the Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam; contributing editor of the Millennium Film Journal; and a Y10 Incubator Member at NEW INC, New Museum.

[1] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2963619.stm

[2] https://100.ucla.edu/timeline/the-internets-first-message-sent-from-ucla

[3] https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-monday-edition-1.4431677/it-didn-t-feel-momentous-at-all-says-developer-who-sent-world-s-1st-text-message-25-years-ago-1.4431688

[4] https://gunkelweb.com/coms465/email/firstemail.html