ABSTRACT
All of the communication technologies explored have a number of characteristics in common, including how their adoption spreads from a small group of highly interested users to the general public, what the effects of these technologies are upon the people who use them, and how these technologies affect each other. Theoretical approaches are useful in understanding the origins of the information-based economy in which we now live, why some technologies take off while others fail, the impacts and effects of technologies, and the economics of the communication technology marketplace. Information about an innovation is communicated through different channels. Mass media is good for awareness knowledge. Interpersonal channels are also an important means of communication about innovations. These interactions generally involve subjective evaluations of the innovation. For a technology’s adoption to move from innovators to the early adopters the technology must show a major new benefit.
