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focuses on their sociological impact or on establishing equivalences with new technologies, making this study the first to focus on their use as an informa‑
tive medium. The Storia sociale della fotografia (Ando Gilardi, 1976) has been the reference for the methods of analysis based on the study of social uses
of images instead of their artistic value. Findings indicate that photopostcards were an informative medium, surpassing periodical media in quality and
spread, till the evolution of photographic reproduction techniques allowed the Press to offer a better printing, whereas photo-reporters consolidated as
professionals independent from studio photographers. From a sociological perspective, through the introduction of postcards in the private sphere, modern
societies took a first step toward“Virtual reality”, a new way to experience and interact with the world.