Routledge Handbook of Digital Media and Communication

<p>What are we to make of our digital social lives and the forces that shape it? Should we feel fortunate to experience such networked connectivity? Are we privileged to have access to unimaginable amounts of information? Is it easier to work in a digital global economy? Or is our privacy and freedom under threat from digital surveillance? Our security and welfare being put at risk? Our politics undermined by hidden algorithms and misinformation? Written by a distinguished group of leading scholars from around the world the <i>Routledge Handbook of Digital Media and Communication</i> provides a comprehensive unique and multidisciplinary exploration of this rapidly growing and vibrant field of study. The <i>Handbook</i> adopts a three-part structural framework for understanding the sociocultural impact of digital media: the <i>artifacts</i> or physical devices and systems that people use to communicate; the communicative <i>practices</i> in which they engage to use those devices express themselves and share meaning; and the organizational and institutional <i>arrangements</i> structures or formations that develop around those practices and artifacts. Comprising a series of essay-chapters on a wide range of topics this volume crystallizes current knowledge provides historical context and critically articulates the challenges and implications of the emerging dominance of the <i>network</i> and <i>normalization</i> of digitally mediated relations. Issues explored include the power of algorithms digital currency gaming culture surveillance social networking and connective mobilization. More than a reference work this <em>Handbook</em> delivers a comprehensive authoritative overview of the state of new media scholarship and its most important future directions that will shape and animate current debates.</p>