Last Entry_ Signing OFF

Im glad this is my last blog. I think the course was interesting. I thought the most interesting idea was learning about the the trend of innovation. The most surprising thing was learning the importance of the telegragh. Thats something that I least expected. Communication technology makes a big social impact on society. Most of western culture use TV, internet, cell phones, music, radio, and video games. Its been a wonderful learning experience.

Teleconferencing

I think my situation is a great example for why video teleconferencing is valuable to the consumer. I have long distance relationship with a friend. It makes the burden of distance a whole lot easier when she can see me every night. I think being able to see my partner gives the consumer a since of security. I think research proves that visual aide is better than audio aide any day. It can only be an intrusion if you invading a persons privacy. But I think its great for a consumer if the have family or friends that they don't usually see.

Celly my cellphone friend

I think the cellphone today is a major accessory in people's life. We use the cellphone for everything. Its our main source of communication. I wake up to it. Its my alarm. Its how I contact my family and friends. Its my source for the time. I use it to check my email and facebook. My cellphone is a 24 hour friend that keeps me in contact with the world. Thats the one thing i cant start the day without or else i feel empty and separated from society.

Telephone Experience

My first actual hands-on experience with a telephone is probably with a girl friend in elementary school. You may be asking yourself, "thats a little young to be dating?" Right, but I consider my self an international playa. lol. But seriously the significance of using the phone was more important than the context of the conversation. Using the phone at that age was a way to express maturity and some how feel like an adult. We probably were talking about cartoons or something that happened at recess. Then of course you end the talk time with the classic," No! You hang up first."

VOIP

VOIP is voice communication over IP networks such as the internet. I think VOIP will have a great impact on the business world. You can make conference calls, fax, and email on the broadband connection and at one affordable monthly price. But VOIP also adds to the fact that we are giving up more of our privacy with each technological advancement each day. Using the internet to make calls also brings up the issue of hackers or being watched by secret government agent spies! lol.

Music keeps me sane

I listen to music on my ipod software on my iphone. Its more convenient to use it that way because it also doubles as a phone. I do most of my listening time while walking to class or studying. I HATE silence. I can be a real deep thinker at times, and silence will drive me mad! Music is a great tool to help me tune in and stay focused. I have various genres in my playlist right now. It ranges from rap, pop to acoustic guitar instrumentals. Thats something I play in my spare time.

Video in Everyday Life

Well with the recent boom of YouTube, video has become a very important aspect of our life. Web cams and camcorder devices are making a big impact on the consumer market. Me personally I use Skype daily. Its a free program that lets you video chat with relatives family and friends. That is very convenient for a college student.
I think we use camcorders more now then cameras. Whats better than playing back your fun experiences to show to your friends? I think it makes life a little more sweeter when you can capture those memorable moments.

Virtual Reality

I remember watching an interesting segment on how therapist use VR to help people with phobias. One particular person was scared of heights and they used a VR machine to simulate being on an elevator. I think this will be a beneficial trend for our future generation and now. It can provide the necessary equipment to maintain or monitor psychological problems.

Video Games

I think video games can deprive a person of human to human contact. Especially now that we have online gaming. You don't even have to leave your room to play another person. Video game technology is also increasing which is adding more of a demand for gaming. I think this can hurt society in the long run. Original gaming was made to interact with other people, such as card games, basketball, and board games. With out this element we don't even have to speak to each other. In the video a kids World of Warcraft account is cancelled by his mom and he flips out. We definitely don't want this for our kids.

[World of Warcraft is an online video game]

Im a PC.

My first time using a PC was like in middle school. My brother and me where really into sports and we used to always look up college football player's stats online. We really didn't use PC's at all until 8th grade. I don't know if any one remembers but the computers in 5th grade were MAC's and we used to play a game called Oregon Trail, and Math Crunchers. The Graphics were like 2D with like 6 colors and simple beeping sounds.

The first time I got in trouble on the Web was my freshman year in high school. Me and a couple friends where supposed to be completing an assignment in the computer lab, but instead we got caught looking up pictures of Jennifer Lopez's behind.

Radio + 2009= No Point!

The problem with radio and why its on the decline is that young people have a choice. Through out history a lot of people didn't have the power of choice. I know it seems a little extreme for the subject, but how can you go wrong with choosing what you want to hear and when you want to hear it. The power of "choice" has radio fighting for its life. The only thing appealing about radio now might be a slick talking, savvy talk show host, but you can get that on a podcast.

Umbrella Perspective

I think the use of cable TV is becoming more expansive. If not all ready. One idea that embraces this statement is the fact that basic cable is becoming cheaper. That is a big factor to motivate people to get cable. ITV is also on the rise. You have some people who are more innovative and like to do extra things with their TV. I think a motivating factor for ITV is the fact that it also markets to young children who will potentially be adult consumers. You can watch Sponge Bob On Demand and play video games also on an ITV system. Radio is becoming less popular. I think the younger generation is more impressed with what they see and hear not just hear. Radio isn't effective at reaching the younger consumers. DTV is here to stay. I think its just a basic format. Nothing can really cause it to decline its government based. But it will motivate rural America to purchase TV now that they can get a clear picture.

DTV Good or Bad? Time will tell.

The switch to DTV will for surely have some social consequences. What consequences? Only time can give a true answer. But we can assume some of the social effects that will take place. One, I think local advertising will definitely get a boost because more people who don't have cable will get to view local channels without the static. Local news stations should also get a jump in ratings.

So what does this imply socially? I can guess more people will be aware of current events. Maybe a negative effect could be people wasting more time on TV instead of spending time with family. TV could continue to dominate entertainment in every home. Which can make those who dont have a TV unsociable.

Categories of Adopters

The Diagram to the right describes how an innovation is communicated over time through different channels to members of a social system and the categories of adopters.

I think I favor this communication theory the most because it is very relatable in a number of other subjects. For example; In music, underground music or artist are really only listened to by true hip hop enthusiast or only known locally. Then "The Chasm", is the time between when everything is fine tuned. contracts signed. album development. Then when it hits the mainstream market. That when the artist is being played on the radio and topping billboard charts. Then the buzz dies down,or they're no longer appealing to the bulk of the audience. "The Skeptics" represent the true die hard fans, who continue to listen to the classics of the artist and purchase there songs on itunes.