Blog Post 8: Diffusion of Innovations

 Diffusion of Innovations

Hello all! Today, I will be discussing the topic of the Diffusion Theory and how it relates to new innovations.

What is Diffusion of Innovations Theory?

The theory of diffusion of innovations is a theory that explains how, why, and at what rate new ideas and technology spread through cultures. According to wikipedia, there are five different categories people fall under in this theory:

- Innovators (risk-takers, first adopters)

- Early Adopters (respected, opinion leaders)

- Early Majority (deliberate, before the average person)

- Late Majority (skeptical, adopt after the majority)

- Laggards (last to adopt, resistant to change) 

Through these categories, it makes it easier for us to differentiate between different groups of people and their 'adopting' patterns when it comes to new innovations. How quickly do they jump on the bandwagon of different innovations, especially when it comes to technology and media?

Some Innovations that Caught On

TikTok

TikTok appealed to early adopters for its creativity and viral potential. It was a type of lo-effort, high-reward app, where all you had to do was make a video lip syncing or dancing or showing other talents and in return, you could go viral and earn money for your video views. The app was fast-paced in terms of the length of attention span required, and was formatted to feel familiar to the younger generation--especially Gen Z. Its spread was boosted by algorithms that made ordinary users go viral.

Smartphones

Smartphones like the iPhone and Android went viral due to several factors like how it had advantages over other technology. It was a phone, camera, GPS, and internet all combined into one. Additionally, you could bring it anywhere and everywhere you went, which made it stand out compatibility-wise. People became early adopters because it showed productivity and connectivity. 

Why Do People Become Early Adopters?

People who become early adopters tend to want to be first because they are more "in the know" compared to others who are late adopters. It makes them seem cool that they know so much about a new innovation. To add, these types of people often enjoy new technology or innovations and want to explore new creations. Sometimes, early adopters are seen as influencers because they are more "in the know" than others, and many tend to feel they are trustworthy.

Why Are Some People Late Adopters or Non-Adopters?

Those who are late adopters or non-adopters are most likely just skeptical about the new innovation and are unsure of whether they trust the new technology, which is understandable. On top of that, some of them just do not have an appeal towards it, making them non-adopters. Maybe some of them are happy with what they have or the way things were before the new innovation and just are not interested in adopting the new technology. Many people often adopt once something becomes more popular and mainstream--once its in your face and practically unavoidable. 

The Downsides of New Technology

I am a big fan of speaking about the downsides of new technology, especially when it comes to social media. Its impact on mental health is something that many people do not take into account. It causes anxiety and many people often struggle with body image issues because of social media. It can also cause FOMO, which may in turn, cause depression. 

Privacy concerns are also a huge factor. The conspiracy or idea that Instagram or TikTok listens to you might be real just due to how these apps surveille us and hold onto and have access to our personal information.

Why Some Choose Not to be on Social Media

Like Dr. Dean, many may not choose social media because they are just as happy and content with the resources they already have. There also is the possibility that Dr. Dean and others would rather save themselves from mental health issues and the chance of their personal information being leaked somewhere or their data being sold. Furthermore, they may prefer different methods of communication like in-person relationships rather than over the phone or social media friendships--my personal preference.

What You Could Gain If You Did Join

If people like Dr. Dean joined social media, he could gain the ability to easily stay in touch and find people like him in communities, whereas that may be more difficult to do in person. He also could have access to new trends and opportunities like networking through LinkedIn. To conclude, he also could have a platform where he could practice self-expression and he can voice his opinions or interests with the world rather than through just word of mouth.

Conclusion

Today, I shared information about the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and what it is and how it applies to the real world. I also shared the different categories of people within the theory. I feel like I am one of those people who falls into the "early adopter" category. I tend to quickly jump on trends after seeing people who were adopters at the very beginning, like influencers. 

Next week, I will be discussing my second Each One, Teach One presentation and the topic I chose--Citizen Journalism!