Diffusion of Innovation Theory

Diffusion of Innovation Theory

Effectiveness

Theory Explication:

The Diffusion of Innovation Theory describes how people within society adopt new forms of innovations over time. Obviously technology is not created and adopted by everyone overnight, so this theory describes the gradual adopting of these innovations into society.

It begins with the pioneers/innovators. These are generally the people who created the form of technology, or colleagues that work along side the inventors. At this point in time they are both using their innovation for their personal benefits and to improve any possible bugs that can be found within the technology.

Then the innovation will move into the early adopters/early majority section of the diffusion process. At this stage generally the younger generation who is eager to learn about new technology will be the ones to adopt it first. This is where the innovation will really get its feet off the ground and start to earn some popularity.

At the climax of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory is the tipping point. This is where there is a moment in time, normally where something significant occurs that pours the technology over the hump into the remainder of society. An example of this may be the iPhone being launched and grabbing the attention of the rest of society in regards to cellphones.

This then leads into the late majority/late adopters portion of the diffusion process. This is where you will typically find older generations who are late to the punch on new technology. It after the tipping point occurs where they almost feel out of the loop without the given innovation.

Lastly, you have the laggards. These are the people who may have low incomes so they can not afford the technology, live in remote areas so it does not reach them, or simply are not interested in adapting with the new era.

Theory Application:

Instagram Logo

This theory can be applied to almost any new innovation, but for the sake of this blog I will discuss the diffusion of Instagram into society. Instagram was the fastest growing social media network as of 2015. The app allowed for people to share pictures and videos to people of their choosing without needing to send them individually. It was one of the first times that any easy to use platform like this was created, and people quickly began to love it.

The pioneer/innovators section in the case of Instagram likely took place before the public launch of the application. This is because it was the fastest iPhone app to reach 1 million downloads. Therefore, the pioneer section of diffusion would likely not be happening within that time frame.

The early adopters section of Instagram would have likely come withing the first 2 years of the apps release. This is the moment where users starter really picking up interest in the app and using it for more than just sharing photos with friends. People started to see it as more of a marketing tool, and with that it lead into the late adopters stage.

The late adopters are the people in this case that did not see the importance of the app from the start, but realized its significance in today's modern world. Now there are people who use Instagram as a way to promote either themselves or their company. Since so many users are now on this site it makes for a great way to create free advertising for yourself.

Lastly, the laggards would be people who are left without internet connection on their phones, or people who simply do not like the way social media is taking over. There are still many people in this category, but most have adjusted with the times.

Diffusion of Innovation Theory
fastest growing social media network
Why is Instagram so Popular?

Maymester

Maymester

Paris: Picture

I was approached by my french professor who asked me to sign up for the french Maymester. The trip looks absolutely beautiful and completely submerses you into the french culture. You start in Paris, and make your way all throughout France on a two week adventure. I would get to experience the culture, learn the language, try new foods, etc. 

Being a french minor, this is a very appealing trip to me. I want to learn everything there is to know about different french speaking places worldwide.

But, I have now reached a dilemma in my academic career. I have been told all throughout my life that school always comes before sports, but while in college sometimes that is not always the case.

I am on the lacrosse team at High Point University and my games are played in the spring. Our conference tournament would end on May 6, but our team has much bigger aspirations this year. We feel like we should not only win our conference, but make a good run in the NCAA tournament.

The issue that arises here is that the Maymester would commence on May 12. This means that if we were to win our conference, then I would not be able to go. I am stuck in a weird place between being in love with the french language and the game of lacrosse. I know that whatever happens I cant have both. It is a sad, but simple realization.

For me, the chance to tour the world has always been something that I have wanted to do, and to do it with friend and classmates would make the experience even better. On the other hand, this is my third year on the men's lacrosse team at HPU, and I am hungry for a ring.

Decisions...decisions.

Maymester

Promote Tolerance

Promote Tolerance

SELMA: Promoting tolerance and empathy online

The idea of the promoting tolerance is one of the eight values of free expression. It is the idea that there are no laws restricting people from hateful and upsetting speech. The reason for this is that it created a more tolerant and overall better society. 

It allows people who use hateful speech to be called out by individuals in society rather than having to deal with a court system. People are allowed to voice their opinions whether it be good or bad, but if it crosses boundaries than we are responsible for holding them accountable. 

An example of this idea being put into place is in the case of the old Atlanta Hawks owner, Bruce Levenson. Levenson was caught sending racist emails to a colleague talking about how "the black fans scared away the whites." He was forced to resign from his position of the team, and got a lot of backlash from the public. 

I personally love the speech theory of promoting tolerance because it singles out the hateful people within our society without needing the help of the law. It allows citizens to hold each other accountable without relying on higher powers. I am not saying that we could survive without law, but the idea of letting our citizens stand up for what they believe to be morally right or wrong is something that I would love to see more of. 

The sense of community and togetherness that this theory brings forth is amazing. Do I think it is cruel and ignorant to use hate speech? Absolutely. But while we as citizens hold these awful people accountable for their actions, the law is responsible when their evil thoughts turn into actions. This cohesiveness mostly works well and is what makes this country special. 

Lee Bollinger, The Tolerant Society: Freedom of Speech and Extremist Speech
Promoting Tolerance
Bruce Levenson

HPU Men's Lacrosse Amphitheater Run

HPU Men's Lacrosse Amphitheater Run 

Roster Photo

On September 11, 2019, the High Point University men's lacrosse team ran 1980 steps at the HPU amphitheater representing the 110 floors of the North Tower of the World Trade Center to remember those who died on 9/11.

The run as lead by Sean Coughlin, a Junior attackman on the team who lost his father on that day. His father was a broker in New York City and worked at the World Trade Center.

The team ran with energy and enthusiasm. No one complained about getting up early to do the run because it was all to support their teammate Sean.

At the run was Larry Quinn, a professor of marketing and sales at HPU who lost his stepson in 9/11. His son, Tom, was a firefighter in NYC who was responsible for rescuing firefighters who were in so much trouble that they needed saving.

In the past the team has always done something special on 9/11. In 2018 the team did the Tunnel to Towers run in NYC in memory of Stephen Siller who was a firefighter that ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel after it was closed off for security reasons. Sadly he did not make it out alive.

It is amazing how the team does something to remember Sean's father every year. The team is able to rally around him and show him support in times of need. The team created a culture that really is a family rather than just a team.

Amphitheater Run

California Bill Will Pay NCAA Athletes

California Bill to pay NCAA Athletes

Breitbart California Bill

A state bill in California is fighting back against the NCAA in regards to paying their athletes. The bill would let NCAA athletes get payed for their likeness while in college. It would also allow them to sign endorsement deals which has never been allowed before. 

This bill is monumental for college sports because it is the first time that college athletes will be able to make money while in college based off their performance. 

This issue has been talked about for a long time, but has recently got significantly more press. This is largely due to the emergence of Zion Williamson to the NCAA basketball scene. Now drafted to the New Orleans Pelicans, he took the college sports world by storm. His viscous dunks and thunderous blocks drew significant attention to the sport. 

Both Duke University, where Zion played, and the NCAA made a ton of money of Zion's success, but he made none. Is this fair? The answer to that question is simply no. While he did receive a scholarship to attend the university, that hardly compensates him for the amount of money and attention that he brought to both Duke and the NCAA.

As a college athlete myself, it is hard enough to find time to do my homework after a long day of practice, workouts, and film sessions. This makes it almost impossible for me to go out and find a job while I am here. If I were able to make money off endorsements it would at least allow me to make money while at school.

I do not believe that I deserve the amount of money that Zion does, but I would at least like the opportunity to earn enough to pay for the odd meal off campus. While Zion deserves millions of dollars in compensation, other NCAA athletes do not. The idea is not to pay the athletes equally, but to at least give them the opportunity to make money based of their performances and likeness.

Breitbart California 
BillESPN California Bill

Newspaper

The Newspaper

Publick Occurences

The newspaper has been around for many centuries now. It was the first time that people were able to receive updates on current affairs, political ideals, entertainment in their cities, etc. Newspapers created a sense of connection between citizens who no longer had to rely on word of mouth.

The first newspaper in English was called the London Gazette of 1666. For a while it was the only sanctioned newspaper, but by the end of the century many newspapers were being circulated.

In America, the first ever newspaper was called the Publick Occurences and was published in Boston. Although it was published without government authority and was quickly banned. 

By the time of the Revolutionary War multiple newspapers were being circulated. Many of which were talking about war propaganda.

Today, newspapers are not nearly as popular s they once were. Since the creation of the internet, online news has exploded in popularity. This is due to the how easily accessible news is on the web. 

With the creation of social media websites it has made finding news incredibly easy. Twitter is very commonly known for being the first place to look for breaking news. This is due to the ease of posting on the app. It is quick and easy to share information through Twitter which often makes it a great place to find news. 

When looking for more details on news content it is often better to look at actual news websites like the New York Times or the Huffington Post. These sites will give you more in depth looks at stuff that may be briefly covered on sites like Twitter.

The overall importance of the newspaper is incredibly important to our society today. Without the creation of the newspaper we would not have the means to connect with our communities or even the rest of the world. Newspapers were the first time that information could be circulated about far reaching areas, and has forever changed the way that we receive news today.

newspaper