Which technology has the greatest effect on the distance-decay function?

Jet travel has the greatest effect on the distance-decay function because it significantly reduces the time it takes to travel between distant locations. The distance-decay function describes how, as distance increases, the likelihood of interaction or connection between places decreases. Jet travel allows people to cover long distances quickly, facilitating not just personal travel but also business, trade, and tourism.

By shortening the time it takes to connect with far-away places, jet travel diminishes the perceived barriers of distance. This leads to increased interaction and exchange of ideas, goods, and services that would otherwise be hindered by long travel times. While technologies like the Internet and television do enhance communication and connectivity, they do not directly alter physical distance in the way that jet travel does. Therefore, the impact of jet travel on physical interactions and the ability to maintain relationships over long distances is particularly significant in the context of distance decay.