Blog Post #7

Diffusion Theory

The theory of diffusion of innovations was allured by the book Diffusion of Innovations by Everett Rogers. In simpler terms, this theory is how new ideas extend through a population. These new ideas can also be products, practices, and technology that are brought upon in speed, rates, and patterns. Five main elements: innovation, adopters, communication channels, time, and a social system determine how this new idea will spread. Social capital is needed for innovations to thrive, and they must be largely adopted to self-sustain. 

I think the Apple iPhone is An innovation that goes perfectly with this theory. This innovation caught on and spread due to it being a device that has the features of a traditional phone but also would be the first to have internet communication and a music player, like the iPod. This device started a smartphone revolution because it went above and beyond the competition. It also paved the way for new cutting-edge technology due to a unique combination of innovations. But with this came many early adopters while also late adopters. 

What is an adopter? They can be organizations, like schools and businesses, but are mostly individuals. This is looked at as a social system; the categories range from innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, etc. But I’m focusing on early and late adopters. Early adopters had more advanced education, and they chose to have a “central communication position,” which, when relaying to the iPhone, was exactly that. These early adopters had seen this technological advancement and realized the revolutionary technology it would bring, as there had been nothing like this before. Late adopters are more so just following others after the fact that they have realized how impactful innovation is. Lastly, some will never adopt due to what they are used to or only need to be in contact with a select few, like family and friends. 

A large downside of the innovation of the iPhone was that it now controls everything we do in life. Especially in my generation, we are always on our phones. This leads us to miss out on some of the beautiful things in life that we just don’t get to see because our faces are constantly on our phones. I truly envy those who have been unable to go with the typical norm and do not have smartphones because I imagine their image of life is so much different than mine. I understand both sides, the positive and the negative. As I have just touched on the negative, I feel as if the positive is being able to have everything in one place. Especially in the past, even 10 or so years ago, we didn’t have everything we have today on our phones. I believe it creates safety in a certain way, but I can also be contradicted by social media. I feel that no matter what, every positive and negative will contradict each other regarding iPhones and new communication technology.