Internet Trap: How the Digital Economy Builds Monopolies and Undermines Democracy

The internet was supposed to fragment audiences and make media monopolies impossible, but Google and Facebook now dominate the time we spend online and grab all the profits. This book sheds light on the rise of the digital giants and the online struggles of nearly everyone else, and reveals what small players can do to survive in a game that is rigged against them.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 10 November 2020
\n Publisher: Princeton University Press
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The internet was once believed to have the potential to fragment audiences and render media monopolies obsolete. However, the reality is quite different. Today, dominant players like Google and Facebook have emerged, controlling a significant portion of our online time and reaping substantial profits. This book, written in a timely and provocative manner, sheds light on the rise of these digital giants and the challenges faced by nearly everyone else in the online landscape. It explores the strategies employed by these giants to dominate the online market and reveals the obstacles that small players encounter in a game that is seemingly rigged against them.

Challenging some of the prevailing myths of digital life, Matthew Hindman delves into the complexities of the online economy. He argues that net neutrality alone cannot ensure an open internet and emphasizes the need for more comprehensive measures. He also provides valuable insights into what it takes to grow a digital audience in today's competitive environment.

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the digital landscape, providing valuable insights for both individuals and organizations seeking to navigate the ever-changing online world. It serves as a wake-up call to those who may have been lulled into a sense of complacency by the seemingly endless possibilities of the internet, reminding them of the challenges and realities they must face.

In conclusion, "The Death of the Free Audience: How Google and Facebook Monopolized Our Time and How to Fight Back" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of the digital economy and the challenges faced by small players. It offers a thought-provoking perspective on the rise of the digital giants and provides practical strategies for those seeking to thrive in this competitive environment.

\n Weight: 418g\n
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780691210209\n \n