This past week's question was what social and economic forces shape communication infrastructure? As technology has advanced, new forms of communication have become available. Communication has changed drastically with the introductions of television and the computer – the first and second screens. But perhaps the most influential was the introduction of the telephone and eventually, the smartphone – the third screen. Inventions such as the telephone allowed for long distant verbal communication which evolved into mobile smart phones which allow for nonverbal and verbal communication from practically any location and distance.
Looking forward, new forms of technology will continue to shape how we communicate with each other. One form of technology that is currently becoming mainstream is wearable tech. Wearable tech has been around since the early 1970s but with the resurgence of smartwatches it’s become relevant to the conversation of future communication.
Smartwatches act as an extension of one's mobile phone. They alert users to notifications from their favorite applications, messages or calls. They also work well as fitness trackers due to biofeedback abilities. Just as the smartphone changed communication styles, smartwatches have the potential to do so well. It's still quite early to be certain but if they continue to gain popularity, new and alternative ways to communicate may be implemented and thus change the communication infrastructure.
Sources:
Adapa, A., Nah, F., Hall, R., Siau, K., & Smith, S. (2017). Factors Influencing the Adoption of Smart Wearable Devices. Retrieved April 5, 2018, https://doi.org.ezproxy.library.tamu.edu/10.1080/10447318.2017.1357902
Bajarin, B. (2014, October 6). How Communication Will Evolve Through Digital Touch. Retrieved April 10, 2018, from http://time.com/3474855/touch-communication/
Keith, L. & Wright, R. (2014) Wearable Technology: If the Tech Fits, Wear It. Retrieved April 15, 2018, DOI: 10.1080/15424065.2014.969051z
Lamkin, P. (2015, March 10). Smartwatch timeline: The devices that paved the way for the Apple Watch. Retrieved April 9, 2018, from https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/smartwatch-timeline-history-watches
Petre, M., Price, B., & Rawassizadeh, R. (2015, January). Wearables: Has the Age of Smartwatches Finally Arrived? Retrieved April 10, 2018, https://doi.org.ezproxy.library.tamu.edu/10.1080/10447318.2017.1357902
Valizadeh, E. (2015). A Survey of Smartwatch Platforms a Developer’s Perspective. Retrieved April 5, 2018, from http://scholarwork.gvsu.edu/cistechlib/207
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