What are the main issues in new communication technologies?
Communication involves the transfer of information from one individual to another. Over the course of history the means by which we are able to communicate have evolved with the introduction of new technologies. This evolution has vastly improved the efficiency in which we communicate between one another. From a time where once people relied on simple forms of communication such as storytelling and letters we are now able to communicate instantly through technological advances such as the internet and “Smart” Phones. With the introduction of these technologies however, there have been some issues arise. A person’s privacy has become one of the biggest issues faced when using new technology. Technology such as the internet readily invites us to enter personal information such as credit card details when online shopping or electronically paying bills but how secure are these sites, are we being exposed to fraud? Through means of hacking and illegally obtaining information, electronic fraud is constantly on the rise. “Phishing” is another form in which a user’s sensitive information may be obtained. Phishing involves the use of emails to request personal information from an individual claiming to be a trust worthy entity.
Another issue faced when using new technology such as the internet is the accuracy/credibility of the information being accessed. The internet is free for any person to post information on and requires no publisher or editor to check for reliability such as with older communication forms like books.
How do we distinguish between old and new communication technologies?
The distinguishing factor that determines whether a form of communication is regarded as new or old is usually in its popularity. For example, even though we still use paper mail it is considered as an old form of communication as the popularity of the email has been used to replaced it in many day to day situations. Another example is the switch from analogue to digital technology. Analogy technology functions by representing various forces and the relatively imprecise modulation of those forces. Digital however, relies on storing bits of binary information and allows for the precise modification of forces. The most recent form of communication to make this transition is the television. The following link describes the difference between digital and analog signals.
Under what circumstances will new communication technologies become old communication technologies?
The transition from being considered new to old in communication technologies usually occurs when the means becomes superseded by something completely new or simply more efficient at performing the same function. An example of how one communication technology can replace another one completely is when an individual or organisation adopts social networking or online advertising to sell its product or service over older forms of communication such as advertising in magazines or on the radio. On the other hand Moore’s law shows how the rate of technological progression can lead to the supersession of a technology. Moore’s law states “The number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years”. The following gives an example of how Moore’s law is applied.
References:
· Wikipedia; Moore’s Law, viewed August 9 2011
· Skullbox.net; Digital vs Analog, viewed August 9 2011
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