2021: The Future of Communications Technology

Communications in the Future

The evolution of communications devices will be a convergence of devices, much like we have already seen with the advent of SmartPhones

Strategists are already considering what communication devices will be like in the future:

Decrease in cost of communications devices Increase in communication abilities of devices More efficient in terms of batteries More convenient for users to negotiate Derene, 2005

Diffusion of Innovations

Everett Rogers (1995)

Believed that people adopt a technology if they believe it will enhance their utility

Advanced the idea of diffusion of technology through society

Proposed that technology is adopted by majority after it is accepted by 15-25% of the population

(Orr, 2003)

Technologies that are present in 10 years will be those that:

Allow users the most freedom

Are inexpensive

Can be easily used by everyone

Can be used everywhere

Enhance personal communication experience

Communications of Today and Tomorrow

These type of technologies will likely be expanded upon in the future:

BlueTooth technology: Allows people to talk on the phone while they go about their daily routine; is widely available today

Texting: This technology will most likely continue to be expanded upon in the future because it allows people to communicate at all times, privately and at their own leisure

Interactive Media and Critical Mass

In 2021 A.D., people will be communicating with even larger groups of people

PDA's and SmartPhones combined with social media such as Twitter and Facebook have reached a critical mass of users

A majority of people communicate through these outlets and will continue doing so into the future

Critical Mass Theory and Social Media

The rise of social media is related to critical mass:

Widespread use has allowed universal access

Social media is inexpensive (mostly free) so everyone, independent of income and social standing, can participate

Social media entails “Reciprocal Interdependence”:

Earlier users are influenced by later users and vice versa (Markus, 1987)

Social media and communication will continue to evolve in the future

Uses and Gratification Theory

Social Media will continue to dominate the communication field in 2021 because it:

Satisfies social and psychological needs (Ruggiero, 2000)

Users can choose the level to which they wish to communicate

For example, users can simply read the posts of other users or respond to them; the level of interaction they wish to participate in is theirs

The Internet and the Cloud

In 2021, the Internet will continue to play a critical role in communications technology

The Internet and the advent of Cloud Computing has radically changed the field of communications technology

VoIP allows users to communicate with their phones, cell phones and computers from anywhere Internet service is available

Social Learning Theory and the Evolution of Communication

“People learn by observing the behavior of other and the outcome of those behaviors” (Ormrod, 1999)

People learn about communication technologies from their peers and the media

Watching these types of interactions creates a desire in others for similar experiences

Thus, the evolution of communication continues

References

Derene, G. (October 25, 2005) Coolest Communication Devices of the Future. Forbes Online Retrieved December 11, 2011 from http://www.forbes.com/2005/10/20/future-communications-gadgets-cx_gd_1024feat_comm05_ls.html

Markus, M.L. (October 1987) Toward a “Critical Mass” Theory of Interactive Media. Communication Research 14(5), 491-511. Print.

Ormond, J.E. (1999) Social Learning Theory. Human Learning, 3rd Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Orr, G. (March 18, 2003) Diffusion of Innovations. Standford University Online. Retrieved December 11, 2011 from http://www.stanford.edu/class/symbsys205/Diffusion%20of%20Innovations.htm

Ruggiero, T.E. (2003) Uses and Gratifications Theory in the 21st Century. Mass Communication and Society 3(1), 3-37. Print.