Diffusion of Innovations

Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory explains how new ideas and tech spreads across society. The diffusion divides people into sections like innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards. 

Social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram spread quickly because of the ability to have instant communication with anyone in the world. Early adopters might be tech enthusiasts and younger people who are drawn to the opportunity to share with other users. 

As the platforms grow older they gain more users due to social pressure and the idea of being out of the loop. Late adopters might join due to pressure or needs, like staying connected with family and friends.

 
Laggards might resist the need to join these platforms initially to see the true necessity of the platforms while non adopters may avoid it entirely for lack of interest, privacy concerns, constant comparison, digital reliance, and addiction. 

The decision to avoid social media could stem from valuing offline relationships over the networking benefits that social media has. However the benefits include staying informed, networking and fostering long distance relationships.

For some the pros outweigh the cons, while others are aware of its downsides like time consumption and data safety.

At the end of the day the weight of the pros and cons for me, might be different for you. In the sense of social media it comes down to how social media fits into your lifestyle and personal values. By avoiding social media you might have less self esteem issues, but by participating you might feel like you're not being left out.

Overall the Diffusion of Innovations theory is a valuable tool for understanding why people adopt new technologies at different rates. Ultimately, weighing the pros and cons of a technology is a personal process that shouldn't be influenced by outside factors.