The pager fundamentally changed social expectations by making people reachable at all times. Strauss examines how this constant connectivity transformed professional responsibilities, personal relationships, and the very concept of urgency in daily life. The device created new social norms around response times and availability that continue to influence our behavior today.

The pager evolved from a purely functional device into a powerful status symbol. The book explores how different social groups adopted pagers for various purposes, from medical professionals to business executives, creating distinct subcultures with their own codes and communication patterns. This cultural phenomenon reflected and reinforced social hierarchies of the era.

Through examining the pager's journey from innovative breakthrough to technological relic, Strauss presents valuable insights into the lifecycle of communication technologies. The analysis covers how market forces, user needs, and technological advancement interact to drive innovation and eventually lead to obsolescence.