Final answer:
The option that is not an emerging technology being used to better serve customers today is c) face-to-face encounters. Emerging technologies in customer service include improved telecommunications and Internet-based innovations, whereas face-to-face is considered a traditional method.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking which option is not an emerging technology for serving customers today. The answer is c) face-to-face encounters. This is because face-to-face encounters are a traditional method of customer service and are not considered an emerging technology. In contrast, the internet, 1-800 numbers, and call centers are all technologies that have been enhanced by recent technological advancements. These advancements include cheaper, faster, and better-quality data transmission, as well as spin-off technologies such as free Internet-based calling and video calling.
Technological improvements have allowed phone calls to be made via various means, like microwave transmission, communications satellites, and other wireless technologies. This has resulted in more consumer choice and cheaper long-distance calls. Additionally, the rise of cell phones and practices such as texting and avoiding answering unknown calls, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z, have changed the landscape of customer service. Companies now reach out through email and social media to engage customers more effectively.