“The Culture of Connectivity” is a non-fiction book published in 2013 by Oxford University Press. This scholarly work falls under the category of media studies[2], with a specific focus on the digital and social media[4] landscape. It explores topics related to the information economy, digital media[3], social media, and mass media[6], making it a significant contribution to knowledge about the culture of connectivity. The book has been reviewed by several academics in reputable journals, highlighting its relevance in different fields such as advertising[5], information society[1], and technical communication. Despite its importance, the Wikipedia page about the book is still a stub, indicating a need for more information and expansion.
Terms definitions
1. ↑ information society. An Information Society is a societal structure that emerged between the 1970s and early 1990s, characterized by the significant influence of information technology on various aspects of life. This societal transformation hinges on the intensification of IT, with multiple interpretations of information defining its structure. Frank Webster identified five types of information that define this society. The growth of Data storage globally since the 1980s and the increasing technological capacity for processing and communicating information are key features. It also involves an economic transition towards a knowledge-based economy. The development and impacts of the Information Society are broad, affecting areas like education, economy, health, government, and warfare. Challenges include the need for creative individuals and concerns about information control. The Information Society also raises considerations about intellectual property control and the role of technology, including issues of information pollution and the economic context of knowledge services.
2. ↑ media studies. Media Studies is a multidisciplinary field of study that examines the systems, content, history, and effects of various media. This field includes the analysis of both traditional mass media like television and print, as well as new forms of digital and social media. The pioneers of this field include John Culkin, Marshall McLuhan, and Harold Innis, who laid the foundational theories and principles. Culkin was instrumental in introducing media studies into educational programs, while McLuhan proposed seminal concepts such as "the medium is the message". Innis, on the other hand, connected media technologies with the rise and fall of civilizations. Media studies also encompasses various perspectives, theories, and contributions from different countries and scholars. These include the cultural emphasis in the UK, social media focus in the US, and notable German scholars such as Hans-Theis Lehmann. Globally, many universities offer programs in media studies, reflecting its importance and relevance in understanding contemporary society and culture.