This document discusses emerging technologies and communication trends. It provides background on how communication has evolved from non-electronic methods to today's digital landscape. Several theories are examined, including Diffusion of Innovations theory, Long Tail theory, and Social Learning theory. These theories help explain how new technologies spread and are adopted by society. Examples are given of Apple and Microsoft innovating products and how their innovations diffuse according to these theories. The document also discusses how online shopping and social media have changed communication and access to information, goods, and services. The future is predicted to involve more wireless and on-the-go access to technology through mobile devices.

1. The Future of
Technology &
Communication
Final Project Comm 303-50
Alvin Sims

2. Future technology

3. Some History Of How
Technology Evolved
• Before text messaging, emails, video messaging, video chat
etc. we had non technology which we call manually delivering.

4. Ideas of the future
• We have always had imaginations of how things were going to
be in the future and beyond.

5. Theories
• Diffusion Theory- Everett Rogers, explains how innovation is
communicated over time through different channels to
members of a social system p26.
• Long Tail Theory- This theory begins with the realization that
there aren’t any huge hit movies, television shows and albums
like there used to be (Chris Anderson p32).
• Social Learning Theory/ Social Cognitive Theory- Social
learning theory focuses on how people learn by modeling
others (Bandura, 2001).

6. Innovation
• There were many who wanted to be the first with the latest
technology that made a huge impact. Bill Gates/Microsoft the
dominate power and Mac who was considered mediocre in
the beginning. It became a technology war with these
companies and society. According to Rogers and his diffusion
theory this was two options of technology society people had
to choose from. These two will soon take over everything
electronically.

7. Diffusion Theory
These two companies continue to grasp the attention of society with being the most
innovative with their products from cell phones, tablets, mp3 players, laptops, and
desktops. Apple comes out with a new sleek product consistently that everyone has to
have and Microsoft soon follows suit. Roger’s characteristics of innovations include
compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability in which these companies display.

8. Theory of Long Tail
According to Chris Anderson and his theory of long tail, history shows that with
limited options we were to focus on what was the most intriguing. For example there
were a limited amount of places to shop like “Mom & Pop Stores” If you wanted the latest
model television you would go to the local store. The huge retail stores took
over the smaller stores. These huge retail stores such as Best Buy, Ikea, Apple, basically have
everything you need electronically. They were able to hold the evolution of products.
The latest thing is shopping on the internet. Stores have made their inventory accessible online.
Online shopping has evolved ordering whatever you need with the internet. You can
even order products directly from your phone with a specific app. You are now capable of orderin
Food for delivery at your doorstep online from the palm of your hand.

9. Shopping online has definitely made it easier to get access to whatever you need.
Now you wouldn’t have to travel to New York or other places to get the best fashion.
You can shop online for products from food to vehicles. Online shopping makes holiday
shopping easy unless you like to get trampled during Black Friday. Online shopping
brings the world of retail in the palm of your hand.

10. Social Learning/Social
Cognitive Theory
Social learning focuses on how people learn by modeling others (Bandura, 2001).
There are several ways people apply this theory. It is very convenient when you
involve social media. Social media is fastest way to retrieve the latest information
24 hours a day. For example when something goes viral on social media, everyone
Is in tune. The latest technology, dances, clothing, songs, slang along with several other topics
are available in the palm of your hand. If apple advertises new technology everyone
Is figuring out how to get it first. Or if the product becomes popular social media will
Freely advertise it.

11. In the future everything will be
on the go wirelessly at your
fingertips.

12. References
Grant, August E. & Meadows, Jennifer H., (2012).
Communications Technology Updates and Fundamentals.
Waltham, MA: Focal Press, p 26,32.
Google Images: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Apple,
Microsoft retrieved on August 8, 2014.