Communication and Future Studies

Communication and future studies is a rising area of study that examines long-term thinking and visions of future societies via mediated communication (usually science fiction) and technology. It explores cultural, social, and economic change and possible threats due to change via communication analysis. While not everyone deems it possible to look into the future and affect change, futurists use this information to evoke change. Often examining historical perspectives, futurists seek out speculative solutions to issues caused by change by proposing alternative and possible futures. They analyze current information to determine possible solutions that will make for a better future, often using science fiction as a platform for envisioning these futuristic threats and solutions. Change is inevitable and happening at rapid rate, thanks in part to technology, and is predicted to significantly affect society globally. Through long-term thinking and futuristic studies, society will be better prepared to rationally and critically think through the challenges that change can bring and provide possible solutions for these challenges.

Future studies allows scholars to envision what is possible in the long term, beyond the boundaries of traditional scientific, sociological, and communicative fields. It provides the opportunity for forward thinking, allowing for more choices in present and futuristic problem-solving. This area of study is important in short-, medium-, and long-range planning as planners look to shape the future and solve the challenges that may present themselves in the near and distant future.

Often society fears and is resistant to change. Individuals and society in general often talk about the past and how things used to be, while fearful of what the future may bring. Futurists posit that it is impossible to go back and the only direction [Page 167]is forward. Ideally, society will learn from what was best and worth preserving from the past and apply that to changes that will help initiate improvements in the future.

This entry provides an overview of futuristic studies and communication. First, it discusses how the area of study is interdisciplinary in focus. Then it explores the more predominant topics covered from a communicative perspective. Finally, it discusses the most popular methods used to study and employ futuristic thinking.