The Internet Diffusion Theory Blog #8

 The Diffusion Theory is an idea designed to demonstrate how new ideologies and technology develop through a given population. Several posts ago I talked about the invention of the Internet, and I emphasized the major impact this technology made, globally. The development of the Internet serves as an excellent representation of this theory; let's analyze the theory. 

Picture a hill, a peak with an upward slope, and a downward slope. 

The first step in the Theory of Diffusion  refers to the "pioneers" or those who primarily drive the idea into the spotlight. In the late 50s, a group of intelligent men, including J.C.R. Licklider, a then well-known computer scientist, were toying around with the idea of an interconnected global network that would help aid Government researchers. However, it took several years for the technology itself to surface. This group of engineers represents the "pioneers" on the scale of the Diffusion theory. 

Then came the early adopters, those who began using the technology for the purpose for which the technology was initially invented. These users were utilizing the Internet system to send information to other users to simplify the process of communication over vast distances. At this time, the majority of the public had refrained from using the Internet, seeing as the primary purpose of the technology was not intended for domestic and recreational use. 

In the 70s, came the early majority, the next step in the Theory of Diffusion. The concept of the Internet began to gain traction for most, and it became quite popular among its users. A post linked below that talks about the 5 stages of technology suggests that approximately 34% represented the early majority users of the Internet. In the late 20th century, it was difficult for the average person to spend a large sum of money on a product that they were unsure whether it even worked or not. Realistically, the majority of those who favored the Internet at the time were likely wealthy individuals who had the luxury of purchasing something of such quality. The Five Stages of Technology

The following stage in the Theory of Diffusion is the late majority. It is around this time, the late 70s to 80s, in which the majority of the population had begun to use the Internet. It became such a worldwide necessity once the technology itself was modified to adapt to any user's needs or desires. Messaging, forwarding, or any form of communication was available to any individual, which made it difficult to visualize a world without the Internet.

The resulting stage in the Theory of Diffusion is the "Laggard" stage which represents (in this case) a group of those who unwillingly choose to adopt the Internet. Typically older generations like the Baby Boomers, or Gen X, reject the concept of technology altogether, however, many succumb to the world of technology as they require new ways of communication to connect with family and friends. 

As a finishing bit to the theory, there is a coined phrase called "the Long Tail" which represents those who simply never hop on the bandwagon. Figures in their 80s and 90s are more likely than the majority to avoid the Internet to maintain their traditional morals. However, this population of individuals is very slim. 

It is safe to claim that the Internet holds such an incredibly valuable position in today's world.