What changes or evolutions might the next generation of information technologies bring about?

However, the proponents of social media view it as promoting social interaction, as well as self-identity, facilitating communication, and fostering a sense of community. People have received help with important problems or questions from others in their social networks, including friends and experts. Online communities promote increased interaction with friends and family; offer teachers, librarians, and students valuable access to educational support and materials; facilitate social and political change; and disseminate useful information rapidly. From whichever perspective we look, though, social media in one form or another seems here to stay.

Coming to the end of this course, you are probably able to think of other ways in which social media have accelerated or shaped the roles and impacts of historical communications in both positive and negative ways. What changes or evolutions might the next generation of information technologies bring about?