Journal Entry 2: Global Information and Communication

This week in class we discussed the transformation of global information and communication markets. One aspect the authors discussed in this week’s reading was how markets are in fact considered webs rather than categories. For example, there are no longer set categories when purchasing items. In the past, if a consumer needed to purchase a camera or computer, they would look to those as entirely different markets and purchase each item individually. Now consumers purchase entirely different. The Internet can come in the form of blackberries or iPads, a flip cam is purchased over the standard video camera and photographic cameras are now installed into cell phones. There are no longer defined competing markets and therefore these categories merge together to form an overlapping web. I can relate directly to this change within the communication markets. In this post I will examine the company Apple specifically when discussing this communication trend.  Prior to departing for London, I made the big purchase and finally bought myself the iPhone. Why did I choose to make this purchase? Well for several reasons. The iPhone represented the ultimate package: a camera, the Internet, email, texting, calling, a built in ipod and countless apps that would make my stay in London safer. Such apps for instance included maps, restaurant guides and cab services.  The iPhone’s biggest draw was its inclusion of a built in camera that would allow me to see the faces of loved ones and family when I called home from my phone. The application Facetime allows me to make a call and see my mom staring back at me while on the phone. Also, by having Skype on my iPhone I can do just the same. When I am out and about sight seeing in London, at times I will get upset with myself because I will want to take a picture but have left my camera at home. No longer is this a problem for me because my trusty iPhone can get the job done. Apple is constantly updating and revolutionizing their own technology. Newer versions of their already state of the art technology is constantly coming out and will only continue to grow and develop further in the future. When I bought the iPhone, an interesting exchange occurred between the Apple sales representative and myself. I was of course ecstatic to purchase the phone but there was a large part of me that was hesitant. Why would I be cautious about buying this amazing form of communication? It’s simple. Apple is constantly improving their equipment and creating new gadgets to their own software. Why would I buy an iPhone now when I could buy the newer version when I return from London? I asked the salesman this simple question: Will there be a newer version in May? His answer was quick and without hesitation: Of course, it’s Apple.  This statement proves the exact point discussed by the author. And as I walk the streets of London, not only is it us Americans that have an addiction to Apple technology, it seems the Brits do as well. I was in awe of the popularity of this American brand abroad and how dependent the world has become on iPhones and various Apple technologies. My teacher for one of my classes even went as far during her introduction of herself to the class to mention her love for her iPhone. The future of technology is constantly growing worldwide and will only further prove this developing web of consumerism.
The epitome of today's all encompassing technology market: