The principal technological developments that underlie the communication revolution, especially the transistor and the computer, are reviewed in a nontechnical way. A number of devices and communication subsystems, such as cable television, ultramicrofiche, and communication satellites, that make use of these developments are then described, together with the new capabilities that they permit. The main body of the paper discusses some possible social consequences of the communication revolution and indicates some of the policy questions they raise. Social effects are discussed in the fields of education, political behavior, crime, economic life, governmental regulatory action, and the quality of life. For example, schools will provide less and less traditional instruction and instead provide guidance and counseling, work-study programs, and community projects. Also, the physical presence of teachers will be less important as satellite broadcasting spreads. In politics, instant referenda may be held using electronic equipment in the home. Guidelines for research on the social effects of communication technology are provided. (Author)