In the late 1800s, long-distance communication was difficult. Though there was a postal service, it was slow and unreliable. Letters could take many weeks or even months to travel cross country. Quickly reaching a faraway loved one in an emergency was only possible via the electric telegraph, which was not available to everyone. In contrast, today Americans communicate freely, inexpensively, and frequently over all distances with cell phones and computers. Friends and family, no matter how distant, are only a push of a button away. Which word or phrase makes the transition to a different idea