Blog Post #7: Diffusion Theory

 

Cars-Through the Lens of Diffusion Theory:

A new innovation from the past that can be looked at through the lens of the Diffusion Theory is the car. Initially, there was no real need to have your own personal vehicle because it was expensive and there was no real need for it. Those who needed transportation would either walk, ride a bike, or even take a horse and carriage. The use of a motor vehicle would only prove necessary when traveling long distances. Even then, the masses would use public transportation such as a bus or a train. The first few models of the motorized vehicle were used for entertainment purposes. It was bought by the wealthy and raced down long empty streets. The car became more popular with newer models in place because they were catered to the general public in a way that was easier to use and less expensive. However, it was still then used mostly by the upper and upper idle class. With a growing economy, motorized vehicles became more popular and more affordable for the general public. 

As technology began to quickly advance, so did the need for speed. More people wanted to get to their desired locations as fast as they possibly can without having to rely on or wait on public transportation. They could travel on their own time without having to rush over to a train station to arrive on schedule. Those who were within the late adopters either didn’t have the money to invest in a car, they didn’t have distant places to travel, or they had no problems using the public transportation system/walking to their desired location. In this time, laggards were those who saw no real need for speed. They saw their previous transportation system to be just as efficient as a vehicle and some even thought it added danger and hazards to their community. 

Looking at the car today, it is a product that is owned by the majority of Americans. It has developed to a point where there are multiple different car companies that fit the need of the buyer. This meaning that there are more affordable cars and cars that are more for luxury. Yes, they are significantly more expensive than the ordinary, but who actually needs a Mercedes to drive to work. I’m just fine with my Toyota Corolla. Even so, as technology advances, so does a more cost-efficient way to build parts. It’s crazy to believe that Tesla’s are now seen as affordable cars. That being said, our laggards now have a reason to buy a 2003 Toyota Camry. With these pressing times and dangerous health environments, public transportation may not be the safest option. So if the only thing holding you back from getting your license and buying a car is not wanting to follow a trend, I would suggest reconsidering.

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/diffusion-theory

https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/mph-modules/sb/behavioralchangetheories/behavioralchangetheories4.html