Unlike then, the mail stream of today has diminished by such things as e-mails and faxes and cell phones and text messages, largely electronic means of communication that replace mail.

In this quote, John M. McHugh reflects on the dramatic shift in how people communicate, noting how traditional forms of mail have been largely replaced by electronic means of communication. McHugh specifically mentions e-mails, faxes, cell phones, and text messages as technologies that have diminished the use of physical mail, which used to be the primary method of communication. This highlights the evolution of communication from physical, tangible forms to digital, instantaneous ones.

McHugh’s statement underscores how technological advancements have transformed the way society interacts and exchanges information. Unlike the past, when people would send handwritten letters or wait for days for a letter to arrive, today’s digital communication allows for near instantaneous exchange. This shift has fundamentally changed how people perceive time and urgency in communication, enabling faster responses and a more connected world.

The mention of the diminished mail stream also reflects how these changes in communication have impacted industries and individuals. For example, businesses once dependent on traditional mail for correspondence now rely on digital tools like email and text messages to stay in touch with clients and customers. While these innovations offer convenience, McHugh may also be pointing to the loss of the personal touch that physical mail sometimes provided, such as the effort and thoughtfulness put into writing a letter or sending a card.

Ultimately, McHugh’s quote highlights the impact of technology on human communication. It illustrates how advancements in digital communication have reshaped everyday life, making it more efficient yet possibly less personal, as it replaces older methods of communication with faster, more convenient electronic alternatives.