The Future of Communication Technology

From close-knit friendships to global industries, the power of communication has never been more critical. As tech innovators continue to push boundaries, our very notion of connection is being rewritten – and it's changing everything.

Communication technology is on the cusp of a major overhaul, and digital transformation is the propellant fueling this extraordinary change. With data flowing freely, the boundaries between humans and computers disappear, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted communication.

The Future of Communication Technology

Artificial Intelligence

The concept of anthropocentric bias suggests that humans are often reluctant to accept AI involvement in tasks traditionally viewed as uniquely human. Even if AI reaches the point where it can communicate indistinguishably from a human, knowing that they are interacting with a machine rather than another human can create a bias against AI.

The study consisted of four experiments, which uncovered a widespread bias against AI-created artworks. The same pieces of art were rated less favorably when labeled as AI-made compared to when they were labeled as human-made. These AI-labeled artworks were perceived as less creative and evoked less awe, an emotional response typically linked to the aesthetic appreciation of art. This bias was especially pronounced among individuals who strongly believe that creativity is an exclusively human trait.

In-App Messaging Takes Over

We're not introducing a new trend here; instead, we're emphasizing an existing one that's set to gain even more traction. Back in 2020, the volume of messages sent via mobile apps already exceeded 300 billion per day, outstripping SMS text messages by a factor of 15. It's safe to assume this number climbed even higher in 2024 and will continue to rise in 2025 and beyond.

From the very beginning, every app developer and business can incorporate in-app messaging capabilities. Integrating an in-app messaging feature fosters branded social interactions that can't be replicated by apps like WhatsApp, Line, or WeChat.

There are also more interesting forms of communication in apps, such as the fax app. If you install for iOS, you can freely exchange digital documents and print them when needed. Advanced apps, such as fax from iPhone, preserve all analog fax standards, so faxed documents have the same weight as the originals.

VR Adoption

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are far from being novel concepts. The initial VR headset emerged in the mid-1990s, while Oculus generated significant buzz two decades later in 2016. Now, more than six years post this resurgence, one might wonder: have the applications and use cases for VR truly progressed?

During the pandemic, there was a moment when the idea of perpetual communication within the metaverse captivated public imagination. However, this enthusiasm was fleeting, and such forms of interaction failed to gain widespread traction.

Without a doubt, virtual reality is a fascinating technology. Yet, despite being around for three decades, its widespread adoption remains limited. Fascination alone does not translate to mainstream acceptance.

The Internet of Things (IoT) and Future Communication

IoT encompasses a wide array of devices, from smart home systems to industrial sensors, which are becoming increasingly widespread. These devices facilitate more streamlined and automated interactions by communicating with each other and with users. For example, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures according to your preferences, while a smart refrigerator can notify you when certain groceries are running low.

An article by the World Economic Forum highlights that IoT devices will soon predominantly communicate with one another rather than with humans. This machine-to-machine communication promises to optimize processes and enhance efficiency across various industries, including manufacturing and healthcare.

Demand for Authentication and Human Interactions

Chatbots have developed a challenging reputation, and often, people prefer to communicate with other humans, not machines.

Typically serving as the initial point of contact, chatbots assist users in navigating their needs, such as scheduling a demo, filing a support ticket, or getting a product recommendation.

However, chatbots come in many variations. When you factor in the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NLP), and even Deepfake technology, skepticism about fully automated communications persists.

People want to know who's on the other end of the interaction—be it a phone call, screen, chat window, or headset. There is a strong preference for human interaction, with individuals actively seeking to connect with other people for acknowledgment and relationship-building.

Conclusion

The consumer's newfound power is rewriting the rules of digital communications. As their expectations and behaviors change, businesses are being forced to completely retool their strategies to stay ahead of the curve. In the digital forecast for 2024, one trend is loudly telegraphing its arrival: the astral rise of in-app messaging, destined to reshape the communication ecosystem.

Surpassing the popularity of SMS text messages, in-app messaging has become the preferred method of digital communication. In contrast, virtual reality has struggled to achieve widespread adoption primarily due to cumbersome devices and the lack of convenience in performing actions. With AI and deepfake capabilities on the rise, it's no wonder people are questioning the legitimacy of automated interactions. The backlash against digital overload has begun, and people are clamoring for authentic, emotional connections – the kind that can only come from real, human interactions.