Optional Post - the future

The internet and various technologies associated with it, change and update at a rapid pace. Perhaps for the first time, parents find themselves learning about new technologies from there elementary school children. As a member of this technological revolution and having grown up with it, we are up-to-date and constantly evolving as the technology does. However, our parents and grandparents are moving at a slower pace. It was only several years ago, that my mother first grasped the idea of email, she sent her first text message about 6 months ago, and she signs onto ‘gchat’ as of last week. The future will contain a world of experts entirely immersed and active in the internets rapid changes. As a result, some of the theories will be altered while others will stand the test of time.

The Hyperpersonal model, I believe, will prove to be valid throughout the drastic changes of the internet. Regardless of what incredible innovations arise, people will always over attribute certain traits, selectively self-present themselves, and behave the way they are portrayed. Secondly, I don’t believe the fundamental attribution error will likely change. This error extends beyond the scope of just internet usage. People will always assume that others negative behavior reflects their personal traits while our own negative behavior reflects the situation or situational setting.

As for some theories that will change, certainly PIU or problematic internet usage will increase. As the internet changes, people will likely rely more and more on its services. This will drastically increase the amount of people who suffer from problematic internet usage. In fact, perhaps it will become so wide spread, that it becomes the norm. Another theory to likely change is SIP. This theory states that sharing information takes longer in CMC because of the lack of cues. As the internet becomes more wide spread, people will become more accustomed to using it. Cues will be easier to translate and interpret in CMC. Additionally, ways to incorporate more cues will be introduced. For example, the use of webcams and free internet phone services such as Skype have drastically increased in recent years. These will all make sharing information happen at a faster pace.

Along those lines, I believe webcams and Skype, and there respective technologies, are increasing drastically. In the future, there will likely be much discussion and research about these internet phenomenons. For example, does Skype differ from a normal phone conversation? How different is a webcam conversation compared to a regular phone call?

COMM 245 did a great job of covering a huge scope of the internet. I was introduced to parts of the web that I didn’t know exist. If I had to pick one aspect of the changing internet to be discussed in greater depth, I would say to discuss the incredible unity that can occur on the internet. This can be examined in regard to the chain emails, famous videos, websites, and people.

Well, I never thought I’d have my own blog, but here I am. What a great semester assignment!
Scott