Social Aspects of New Media Technologies

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"Social Aspects of New Media Technologies,"

From Media Effects: Advances in Theory and Research, 1994.

One interesting issue I think wasn't covered enough for topic was the findings mentioned briefly early on about adopters of the technology and their demographics - specifically wealthy or more disposable income.

From cell phones and faxes to cable TV and VCRs, status has also driven the technology slightly ahead of mass adoption.

Once affordable, or perceived as ‘with in reach’, a certain level of pre-critical mass could be presumed to be achieved. The status symbol of the new technology.

As long as it is affordable, convenient, and offers some level of moderate usefulness, critical mass isn’t far behind most of these technologies. But if too expensive, inconvenient, or no practical purpose can be derived, it will most likely be short lived.