Internet May Be Just a Passing Fad, The Newspaper Said 21 Years Ago
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The Internet was not a fad.
Furbies were a fad.
The fact that some toy manufacturers sell ridiculously expensive indispensable toys is questionable…
Near Christmas time I went to buy Furbies at Toys “R” Us for my daughter. I remember that was too cold in New York City and I woke up very early to be able to buy one…it had a long line waiting to doors open.
Internet was never a fad, but always a real technological innovation. It’s not a single product, but a system and a platform.
Most things that seem like fads actually are fads. Exceptions like this are rare. People will use this example to justify that their personal favorite fad isn’t a fad.
In 2000 I already was selling my drawings on eBay.
I always believed that the Internet was here to stay.
These sentences are both true,
- Most things that seem like fads are actually fads.
- The select few disruptive things initially have the appearance of a fad.
What is a Fad?
“A fad is any form of collective behavior that develops within a culture, a generation or social group in which a group of people enthusiastically follow an impulse for a short period.” Wikipedia.
Fads are objects or behaviors that achieve short-lived popularity.
Fads are seen as quick-spreading, and short-lived.
Fads include clothing, toys, hairstyles, and more.
Some popular fads throughout history are toys such as Furbies, yo-yos.
And fad dances such as the Macarena and the twist.
Fads are similar to habits but less durable.
Fads often result from an activity or behavior being perceived as emotionally popular or exciting within a group of people.
Or being said “cool” as often promoted by promoters.
A fad is said to “catch on” when the number of people adopting it begins to increase to the point of being very important.
