generational influences on communication tech

What are some of the generational influences and implications for embracing technology that is used for communication?

When developing new technologies we usually mimic what we already have modifying it slightly.  The reason for this is twofold.  One reason is because most people have a hard time thinking that far outside of the box.   The second reason for this is to keep the learning curve lower.  If people are able to use most features of a product without having to open a manual they are much more likely to continue using that product.   An example of this: The QWERTY keyboard layout has been used for ages, when in fact, there are many other keyboard layouts available that are much more efficient.  

Naming conventions for things in communication technology are largely based on older methods of communication.  In your email system you almost definitely have an inbox, outbox, trash and folders.  There is nothing special about these labels; heck folders don't even exist on a computer.  Files only exist as pointers referencing memory locations filled with zeros and ones.  Interfaces could have been designed any way imaginable.  They don't have to live within what is physically possible, but designers decided to use a "desktop" where you can place your "documents".