Hmmm... Hard question or what?! I tried researching this question and found a site devoted to comparing ‘old’ and ‘new’ technology. In this they compared video tapes to DVD players, paper maps to GPS, snail mail to e-mail, etc. So I suppose that this particular site was inferring that old technology was anything before the digital advance.
I, however, have a different view of old and new communication technology.
I believe the answer is subject to a variety of different circumstances.
The first of these being personal opinion. For example, after a long and excruciating begging period to my parents, I finally received my first mobile phone around the time that myspace became incredibly popular. This meant that while my friends had moved on from constant texting to the ‘you’re not cool unless you have a myspace’ phase, I was only beginning the ‘running up my parents phone bill’ stage. My mobile was the bees knees to me because it was a new technology in my life. Of course, this could mean not that new communication technology is different for everyone but in fact, I am constantly one step behind the rest of the world. But I truly think I’m on to something here. I mean, obviously, the creator of the 3D television would have known about this new technology far before the rest of the world. Hence, 3D television was the new technology to him while high-definition television was a huge step for us.
Perhaps another factor to consider is social class. On the Gold Coast, for example, long gone are the days when school assignments were accomplished through countless hours of searching for the perfect book in the public library. Today, every piece of information you could ever imagine is a click on your nearest computer away. Not that I can quote through experience, but it is my guess that people in poorer communities do not have this luxury. Their new technology could be far behind that of the Gold Coast.
The final point (I promise this is the final point!) I would like to make on the subject is media influence. For example, a person living in a community which cannot afford the newest technology may see an advertisement for it on the television or internet. Hence, they would know it is the latest technology, even if nobody in their community were able to afford it.
In answer to the original question of how to distinguish between old and new communication technologies, I believe it comes down to area of residence, media influence, wealth and personal preference.
Q) Under what circumstances will new communication technology become old communication technology?
Well the most obvious answer to this question would be that the new becomes old when a different technology is released that performs all of the previous functions and more. This would also depend on each individual’s situation however. For instance, in some communities the new communication would not be the latest invention but instead the newest technology to become affordable.
Another thought, just came to me however; perhaps there is no such thing as a new technology. Technology is forever changing. As one product is released, a better device is in the making. Or perhaps it is already created but waiting for the perfect moment to be released. I think I’m onto some kind of conspiracy theory here.... Perhaps, creators of technology have a line-up of amazing things with different release dates. They brought out high-definition televisions, waited until everyone bought one, and then brought out the 3D television. Now I suppose they’ll wait until everyone owns one of them before they bring out a television that simulates your senses in such a way that you feel like you are a part of a movie you may be watching? Good idea or what... Hmmmmmmm...
In conclusion, it is my belief that new communication technology is different for every individual in accordance with area of residence, subjectivity to media influences, wealth and personal preference.
Anyways, I think I’ll spare you of anymore rambling on the subject.
So that’s it for this week. Rest your mind for next weeks rambling.
Peace :)
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