The future of email lies in the hands of the technologically elite. The first chapter on Rheingold's Smart Mobs discusses the aspect of text messaging in societies today. These "thumb tribes" are taking over the technological world. Where computers are important to many in the United States, in Tokyo text messaging systems are all the rage. Most people do not own personal computers, as they are quite an expense; however text message mobile phones have become a necessity.
There may come a day where computers become obsolete. With a wireless future seemingly at hand, it appears that soon everyone will be sending, receiving, and creating messages on hand held computer systems. Computer labs on college campuses will no longer be needed, rather rooms filled with outlets and tables will be enough, as people will use them simply to charge their cell phones and palm pilots. Texting and emailing will be done simply from wireless systems. Instead of requiring computers, schools may require that students own cell phones.
Classrooms themselves may also be abandoned. Old Dominion University's Teletechnet building may just be the beginning of a completely electronically based future. Classes may all soon be taken online or over streaming video. Homework and assignments may be handed in via palm pilots or cell phones, using wireless web email. The future of wireless is unknown and uncharted. There are great possibilities for this technology, and from the looks of it, it will soon be integrated into our everyday lives.