Race and Digital Media: An Introduction

Racial bias in the design of digital platforms, labor inequalities in the tech industry, and digital surveillance on Black and Brown communities are important issues to address as reliance on computing technologies increases. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and research on race and digital media, focusing on the experiences of people of color in the United States. It explores how racism and white supremacy have shaped aspects of our digital world and how communities of color have deployed digital media in ways that expand the public sphere and give voice to creativity and joy. It is an essential resource for students of communication, media, technology, and society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2022
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Since the early days of the internet, there have been ongoing discussions about how emerging technologies could potentially either liberate or exacerbate the structural inequalities faced by communities of color, who already endure racism. As our reliance on computing technologies continues to grow, it becomes crucial to address concerns regarding racial bias in the design of digital platforms, labor disparities in the tech industry, and the surveillance of Black and Brown communities through digital means.

This textbook offers a comprehensive exploration of the theory and research related to race and digital media. It specifically focuses on the experiences of people of color in the United States, examining the various ways in which racism and white supremacy have shaped various aspects of our digital world. This includes examining the infrastructures and policies that support technological development, the algorithms and data collection practices, and the interfaces that shape user engagement.

However, the book also highlights how communities of color have actively deployed digital media to expand the public sphere, challenge the status quo, and give voice to creativity and joy. It serves as an essential resource for students studying communication, media, technology, and society, providing valuable insights into how to interpret our ever-evolving digital media landscape while centering the ongoing impact of institutionalized racism and the potential for creating anti-racist futures.

Weight: 295g
Dimension: 226 x 150 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509546930