What is the distinguishing characteristics of modern civilization?

Good question. I reckon the big thing is technology. We have internet and computers everywhere. This makes the world very connected. We can talk to anyone, anywhere, very fast.

Also, science is a big part. We have better medicine and live longer. And most people live in big cities now, not on farms like long ago. Life is much faster, I think. So, I think it's heaps of technology and everyone being linked up. It is very different from the old times.