Blog #9 - Diffusion Theory

DIFFUSION THEORY

Diffusion Theory can apply to many things, terms, and concepts. A very common aspect of this theory is technology, and in class we related the Diffusion Theory to the product the iPhone. The Apple product has been rapidly produced over the years, a scale representing the adaption toward this device and how it wants to stay relevant today. 

The 'Diffusion of Innovation Model' is super important in understanding this theory. An illustration from Professor Smith like the one above showed the progression, peak, and track of the theory and how it should be understood. This helped me personally gain the understanding of how people perceive certain concepts or products and where they fall on this interesting graph. 

Something that I think of when thinking of this theory is the company Netflix. The company was known back when it was first established as something than it is now. Now, the company's message and what it entails is entirely different. Netflix's introduction to society was different because it was one of the first streaming services. As Netflix became adopted by others the Diffusion model became clearly used. Netflix caught on to the spread of the Diffusion Theory model because it gained traction worldwide and became introduced as one of the first streaming services that included many TV shows, movies, and other titles that made potential customers intrigued. 

Early adaptors became popular with such a brand like Netflix because they saw the potential the brand had and found that it was convenient for them. Netflix's original idea was to send DVD's to people's houses and have them subscribe to do so. This would make it easier for subscribers to not have to leave the home to watch programs they wouldn't have otherwise. From Netflix's founding to now, it's difficult to estimate how many people still haven't adopted this app and its branches. 

In its early years the app reached a limited amount of people because of its concept and how others would want to view the app. There are always downsides to an introduction of a new concept. There are obvious ones like the topic won't be accepted into this new world, and then there are the more subtle ones like people not using the product when it comes out. 

We still see the diffusion theory model used frequently in multiple scenarios. People have different preferences over what they want to do with their lives and how they choose to live them. For instance, a person may choose to not participate in a trend because they value their own beliefs, traditions, and way of living more than the introduction of technology. People will continue to live the way they want and will continue to live their lives how they want.

LINKS: Diffusion Theory