Blog #7: New Innovation Though Lens of the Diffusion Theory

 The Diffusion Theory is:

"A theory that seeks to explain how, why, and at what rate new ideas and technology spread. The theory was popularized by Everett Rogers in his book Diffusion of Innovations, first published in 1962.^[1] Rogers argues that diffusion is the process by which an innovation is communicated over time among the participants in a social system. The origins of the diffusion of innovations theory are varied and span multiple disciplines." (Wikipedia).

The product that I am going to choose is:

The social media platform TikTok.  

Why did they catch on and spread? 

TikTok is a social media platform similar to the old platform, Vine. Vine was a social media platform where users could post 6-second long clips. TikTok is similar because users can post either short or long (3 minutes) clips for others to see. I believe that is spreading so fast because people in today's world want to be famous. This platform is very easy to go viral on. People are also addicted to social media, so any new form will draw people's attention.

Why did so many people become early adopters? Why are some people late adopters? Or not adopters at all?

The concept of a new social media, similar to one that people used to love drew people in. It is very easy to get sucked in and stuck on the app, on average people spend 95 minutes a day on the app. Others joined the cult-like following later. Some due to the fact that they are trying to go viral and make a career off of it. Others like to follow the latest trends and "hacks" and TikTok is full of those. There are a few reasons that some people did not get the app. The first reason is, that the app is owned by a Chinese company and many people think that their information will get taken by their government. Another possible reason is that people are trying to limit their social media and phone usage. 

What about the downsides — do you see any negative consequences in the technology? 

There are always downsides to social media. On TikTok, there is a mass amount of negativity. Social media in general tears down people self self-confidence. 

Would the positive outweigh to negative? 

When it comes to TikTok, it could go either way. You could make a video that does great and you become a sensation overnight. Right there, you created a career for yourself. That career could take some twists and turns and make you make or break. You could also post a video and get made fun of and shoot down your confidence.