Differences of communication in past and present?

Yes, there are vast differences. But the biggest difference by far is that there is less face-to-face communication. It's either (cell)phone, E-mail or Festoon. No matter which alternative, face-to-face communication has an extra dimension: facial expression. When I am on the phone I like to imagine what the other party really thinks. I can listen to his tone of voice, try to understand the pauses and try to figure out what he/she is really saying. That is why counseling over the internet is only second best.