Over the hill
Technological change is now so rapid and so unpredictable that no one can say how people will be communicating in the future.
Technological change is rapid and unpredictable
From a tiny start with the world’s first message – the words “Merry Christmas” sent from a personal computer to a mobile phone – on 3 December, 1992, the use of texts exploded. But the humble text message, is past its prime for the first time in history, as new figures show a declining trend of SMSing. Is the SMS cash cow about to be put out to pasture?
The availability of a wider range of communications tools, like instant messaging and social networking sites, means people might be sending fewer SMS messages, but they are communicating electronically more than ever before.
A paradigm shift
Over-the-top messaging apps like WhatsApp are currently leading a paradigm shift away from traditional SMS and towards lower-cost and feature-rich alternatives. As the popularity of messaging applications continue to rise, expect to see further declines in SMSing.
WhatsApp currently boasts more than 1000 million active users. With numbers like these, it is no wonder that WhatsApp and other messaging services are largely responsible for the decline of traditional SMS.
How WhatsApp is killing SMS texting – Technological change is rapid and unpredictable
Should Twitter to be worried
In the post announcing the one billion user milestone, the WhatsApp team revealed an interesting insight into how people are using the service:
We are proud of this milestone, and we’re humbled by the extraordinary ways all of you have used WhatsApp. Whether it’s sharing vital informatioWe are proud of this milestone, and we’re humbled by the extraordinary ways all of you have used WhatsApp. Whether it’s sharing vital information during natural disasters or health emergencies, finding a date, growing a small business, buying an engagement ring, or seeking a better life
The traditional views of WhatsApp – a person-to-person messaging service – seems to be outdated. The implications for other social networks, specially Twitter, could be dramatic. WhatsApp has always been used by people who feel it is safer and easier to share thoughts, pictures, and other content with close group of connections that have similar interests.
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Technological change is rapid and unpredictable — https://www.torbenrick.eu/t/r/xcs
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About The Author
Torben Rick
Experienced senior executive, both at a strategic and operational level, with strong track record in developing, driving and managing business improvement, development and change management. International experience from management positions in Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and United Kingdom