Materialist Media Theory: An Introduction

The infrastructure of wires, routers, servers, and hard drives that shapes human interaction and experience is called media. Materialist Media Theory provides an accessible account of how media shapes culture, space, time, cognition, and life, and offers a critical intervention into matter and media.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The foundation of our cutting-edge technologies lies in an intricate infrastructure of wires, routers, servers, and hard drives, a vast array of devices that reshape human interaction and experience before our conscious awareness. To fully comprehend these technologies, we must adopt a perspective that recognizes media as a collaborative agent in the creation of a world that extends beyond mere content or representation.

Materialist Media Theory emerges as a comprehensive and accessible synthesis of the forefront of theoretical humanities, delving into a diverse range of approaches to the physical, infrastructural role of media in shaping culture, space, time, cognition, and indeed, life itself. Far from a mere introduction, Materialist Media Theory constitutes a critical intervention into the realms of matter and media, resonating with students and researchers across media studies, communication, cultural studies, visual culture, and beyond.

It is essential to acknowledge that media wields profound influence over our reality, and any political discourse on media must prioritize its materiality. By acknowledging the materiality of media, we gain a deeper understanding of how it shapes our perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. This understanding is crucial in developing effective strategies for media reform, advocacy, and social change.

In conclusion, Materialist Media Theory offers a vital lens through which to examine the intricate relationship between matter and media, providing students and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the role of media in shaping our world. By foregrounding the materiality of media, we can develop a more informed and empowered approach to media politics and advocacy, working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 140 x 214 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501337116