Digital Immigrants and Media Integration: The Smartphone Is the Synthesizer

Sally J. McMillan's book explores how digital immigrants, Baby Boomers who grew up without digital mobile technologies, have transitioned to using smartphones. She traces key points in media evolution that shaped the communication tools they use today, demonstrating that smartphones have become ubiquitous and indispensable. McMillan finds that digital immigrants seek a balance between value, ease, breadth, and depth of communication. Scholars of communication, media ecology, and technology will find this book of particular interest.

Format: Hardback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

In her captivating book, Sally J. McMillan delves into the profound insights gained from the lived experiences of digital immigrants, also known as Baby Boomers who have gracefully transitioned into the world of smartphones. McMillan skillfully traces the intricate evolution of media, unveiling the key milestones that shaped the communication tools embraced by these digital immigrants today. Through a meticulous examination of these historical developments, she compellingly demonstrates how a relentless pursuit of incremental change has culminated in a remarkable shift from media types to media interfaces. The smartphone, she asserts, has emerged as an omnipresent and indispensable companion, firmly intertwined with the very essence of individual identity. While the telegraph may have heralded the transition from "cool" to "hot" media, it is the smartphone that has truly achieved the remarkable feat of synthesizing communication forms and functions into a singular, digital, and mobile device.

By meticulously collecting and analyzing these personal and public histories, McMillan uncovers a profound truth: digital immigrants persistently strive to find a delicate balance between the pursuit of value and the ease of use, as well as the exploration of breadth and depth in communication. This book holds immense appeal to scholars and enthusiasts of communication, media ecology, and technology, offering a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives that will deepen their understanding of the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 237 x 159 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666919332