Predictions from the KRYSTAL Ball

Based on the theories and phenomenon we learned about this semester I think that although the technological world has changed so dramatically throughout the years, there are still several theories and phenomenon that will continue to apply in the future based on pure human nature. I do not think that people will stop trying to impress others by shaping how others perceive them, thus the impression management model will always hold. Because of people’s desire to be perceived favorably by others, I also think that people will continue choosing a medium that best matches their intentions and gives them the best opportunity for selective self-presentation (Media Richness Theory). They will also continue to choose an appealing virtual self-identity or avatar online whether or not it actually resembles their true selves. Additionally, I think that people will continue trying to immediately form judgments of others by quickly coming to conclusions and thus holding the Hyperpersonal model, CFO perspective, and SIDE theory constant.

On the other hand, I do think that many theories and phenomenon will change based on society’s push for using technology for nearly everything. I do think that with many organizations going global these days and with the costs associated with flying executives into a central location for meetings, technology use for business transactions will increase. I think that businesses will use technology, such as a live virtual environment, to try and keep business transactions similar to FtF interactions. Thus parts of the Media Richness Theory will change as the amount of rich information processed and the associated costs will determine the medium at which transactions may occur. The richest medium companies may end up using could be a live virtual environment to actually see their employees instead of FtF versus using a lean medium like a program similar to IBM’s Second Life where there are avatars. I assume that there will be a bigger push for virtual classroom technologies in the near future.

Overall, I enjoyed this course. However, I wished that we were able to relate the class theories to having the internet accessible in certain organizations based on how it affects worker productivity. I think it would have been beneficial if we applied the class theories to organizations by discussing options companies could take in restricting or allowing internet use by providing some example case studies. This correlation would have directly related to my ILR major and would have significantly increased my interest in the course. I also enjoyed learning how to blog as this was an online technology that I was very unfamiliar with.