One thing I do like about phones like the Windows Models and I believe the iPhones are getting there is 

A Fans ability to like a Bands FB page that has a ReverbNation app.  For the Band as they post events that they will play at, it will update the calnder on a fans Smart Phone and send them a message as well of upcoming events.

Great thing for both the Fan, the Band and the Location the event is held at  

The entire key to that App is to get everyone to know it exists so they will use it.

Ive been out traveling and had them pop up when Ive been out of state and managed to pop in and check out the gigs-Kinda handy

On a serious note, an interesting read that you might be interested in: "Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman. 

Although not a recent book, Postman traces out how people in the U.S. went from being able to follow and track something as complex as the lengthy Lincoln/Douglas debates to not being able track anything for more than 30 seconds.

He did write a follow-up book, "Technopoly" as well.

"Amusing Ourselves to Death" is probably in my top 10 of all the books I've read (and yes, I've read far more than 10 <smile>).