Blog Post 8

 Mobile phones, especially smartphones, spread quickly because of how useful and convenient they were. According to Diffusion Theory, new ideas or technologies spread through different groups of people: innovators, early adopters, the majority, and those who are slow to catch on. Mobile phones became popular because they made communication easier and more accessible. As technology improved and became cheaper, more people jumped on the bandwagon, starting with those who loved new gadgets and then spreading to the wider population. Early adopters are the first to get their hands on new tech because they like being ahead of the curve and enjoy the social status it brings. As more people saw how useful phones could be, the majority started using them, and slowly, the laggards, or those who resisted change, also gave in. But not everyone is into new tech. You might choose not to use social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram because you don’t see the value, or you’re worried about privacy or the negative effects on your mental health. This is common for people who are more cautious about technology, preferring to avoid the potential downsides. When thinking about whether to adopt new technology, there’s a cost-benefit analysis. Social media offers some perks, like staying in touch with friends and keeping up with trends, but it also has downsides like privacy issues or addiction. For some, the negatives may outweigh the positives, and that’s why they choose not to use it.