Five Disturbing Tech Trends


For the most part I think technology is a very good thing, saving us time and money in our business lives. But sometimes technology goes in the other direction, causing us concerns. And usually it’s not the technology per se, but the way it’s employed.

My latest column at Inc Technology looks at 5 Tech Trends that Challenge and (Sometimes) Disturb You:

Technology is a good thing. It helps you be productive and save money. But I’ve noticed two technology themes recently that, depending how you look at them, are not always such positives in business. First, the increasing availability of technology requires more knowledge by small business owners about technology and how to use it than ever before. Second, it’s a jungle out there and technology is being used as a weapon by some, requiring that you be forewarned — and forearmed.

Among the trends I discuss: Twitter and Facebook spam, and intrusive anti-malware apps.

15 Comments ▼

Anita Campbell Anita Campbell is the Founder, CEO and Publisher of Small Business Trends and has been following trends in small businesses since 2003. She is the owner of BizSugar, a social media site for small businesses.

15 Reactions
  1. Martin Lindeskog

    Yes, I have seen these disturbing trends coming along, especially with Twitter and Facebook. Luckily you have an on/off button if it gets too tiresome and you could start from scratch again. I am sad to see so much unproductive manners online and all the parasites sucking away energy from positive things going on the internet, but I think that the good guys will prevail in the long run!

  2. There is even an additional to this – Plurk. A friend of mine invited me to join this social network but I don’t know if it can benefit my business.

  3. Rose Anderson: I have joined Plurk, but I haven’t used is so much yet. You could listen to a radio show on Plurk if you check out Small Business Radio. http://www.smbtrendwire.com/

  4. It seems like every time we turn around there is something new to try. I tried Google Chrome when it first came out but had to remove it shortly after. Every time I used it, I got kicked off my broadband server. Finally I realized it was the google chrome and removed it, no problems since. Sometimes it’s more frustrating to try these new things instead of just sticking with what works.

    Thank you for mentioning my blog too! That anti-virus issue had me ripping my hair out for days.

  5. Distractions can kill us, eat up our time and energy. Some people can juggle things well. I know that I can’t and focus is the key to success. There will also be new stuff happening out there and new gadgets to try and new websites to subscribe to. It is how you chose to invest your 168 hours per week.

    Stuart Crawford
    Calgary, AB
    http://blog.itsuccessmentor.com

  6. The golden rule when it comes to new technology is….wait it out. It’s always tempting to try the latest and greatest of whatever new technology is being released, but most new software takes a year or so of testing and patching before it becomes truly useful and secure…you can also use this time to see if the software really takes off and is worth using or if some other competitor comes out with a better version. There’s a big risk with being an early adopter of cutting edge tech and as far as your business is concerned, it’s probably best to mitigate some of that risk by waiting until the tech has had a chance to get it’s initial bugs out and you can determine if it will truly be useful for you.

  7. This is becoming more and more of an issue for me. I find that keeping things updated especially is becoming an issue. Like you said, all these browsers . . . they all need maintained and it’s sucking up more and more time to do so. I try and stay regular about it but every other day it seems updates are coming out. Most of mine are set to automatically update but many can’t. Agh! It’s the ying and yang of life I guess. Negative + postive = balance 🙂 With the good comes the bad . . .

  8. I have tried some of the new browsers including Chrome but at the end of the day did it significantly add value to my business and I would have to say no. I like new technology and we sell marketing software but I have decided before jumping and signing up or trying the newest and latest technology is to view it against the criteria of whether it will add value to my business and/or customers.

  9. “Twitter spam and Facebook imposters”

    I have never heard of that. I guess that’s one more thing for me to keep my eye out for.

    In terms of new browsers, I haven’t ventured in that arena yet, and don’t really have the time for it. I will wait it out and read more feedback from others before I spend my time on that.

    In terms of Plurk – I signed up, but never used it beyond one post. Twitter is working just find for now.

  10. Okay Martin. Thank you for sharing that.

  11. I suppose what disturbs me is that we simply assume that the hackers and impostors are a given. They are such PITAs (pains-in-the- A) that it’s enough trouble to fix your site let alone fight them. I’d like to see someone turn out to be the “Hack Marshall” and get these guys – they make me so mad. There must be a business opportunity in there somewhere – perhaps a “Guido Service” a sort of site body-guard that goes beyond what’s available today.

  12. Martin Lindeskog

    Rose, You are welcome! 🙂 What I like with Plurk is the historical time line, but I haven’t written so many notes yet. Twitter will probably stay as the category leader.

  13. It is true that “the increasing availability of technology requires more knowledge by small business owners about technology and how to use it than ever before.” However, businesses that remain forward-thinking in regard to technology have a significant advantage over those who fail to do so. If you have a specific question about technology for your business, please don’t hesitate to visit http://www.milestechnologies.com or call us at (800) 496-8001.

  14. Franchise Information

    Always create a schedule and stick to it. Avoid procrastination at all costs, when you can follow your schedule for at least a few months straight, The light at the end of the tunnel will be shown clearly to you. The more you procrastinate, the further away the light is.

  15. Anything good will attract trouble. It has always been the case. Social Networking is a great way to reach out across the miles and the years. It is great for business and pleasure.