The SAGE Handbook of Digital Society

This SAGE Handbook provides cutting-edge research and theoretical insights into the emerging contours of digital society, covering topics such as machine learning, social media, surveillance, and misinformation. It is a valuable resource for postgraduate students and academics in the social sciences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 672 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

This comprehensive SAGE Handbook delves into the intricate dynamics of digital society, combining cutting-edge social scientific research with theoretical insights. It explores the profound relationship between digitization, social organization, and social transformation at both macro and micro levels, making it an invaluable resource for postgraduate students and scholars engaged in research across the social sciences. The Handbook's extensive coverage spans a wide range of timely and relevant topics, including machine learning, social media, surveillance, misinformation, digital labor, and more. By providing a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in a field rapidly gaining cross-disciplinary interest and global significance, this Handbook establishes a thematic framework for future teaching and research.

Part 1: Theorizing Digital Societies
In this section, the Handbook delves into the theoretical foundations of digital society. It examines the impact of digitization on social structures, institutions, and individual behavior. Chapters explore the emergence of new forms of social organization, the role of technology in shaping social interactions, and the theoretical frameworks that can help us understand the complex dynamics of digital society.

Part 2: Researching Digital Societies
The second part of the Handbook focuses on empirical research methodologies and approaches to studying digital society. Chapters discuss the use of various data sources, such as social media analytics, surveys, and ethnographic research, to capture the nuances and complexities of digital life. The Handbook also provides guidance on research design, data analysis, and interpretation, ensuring that researchers can effectively gather and analyze data to shed light on the evolving nature of digital society.

Part 3: Sociotechnical Systems and Disruptive Technologies in Action
In this section, the Handbook explores the interplay between technology and society. It examines the sociotechnical systems that shape digital life, including the Internet, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence. Chapters discuss the potential benefits and challenges of these technologies, as well as their impact on social inequality, privacy, and democracy. The Handbook also explores the role of disruptive technologies in shaping digital society, such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and the Internet of Things.

Part 4: Digital Society and New Social Dilemmas
The fourth part of the Handbook examines the social implications of digital society. It explores the emergence of new social dilemmas, such as information overload, cyberbullying, and online addiction. Chapters discuss the strategies and policies needed to address these challenges, as well as the ethical considerations involved in the development and deployment of digital technologies.

Part 5: Governance and Regulation
The fifth part of the Handbook focuses on governance and regulation in the digital age. It examines the role of governments, corporations, and civil society in shaping the digital landscape. Chapters discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by digital governance, including the need for effective regulation, privacy protection, and the preservation of democratic values.

Part 6: Digital Futures
The final part of the Handbook explores the potential future directions of digital society. It examines the emerging trends and developments in the field, such as the rise of the gig economy, the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, and the potential for digital technologies to address global challenges such as climate change and poverty. Chapters provide insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for digital society, and offer recommendations for policymakers, educators, and researchers.

In conclusion, this SAGE Handbook is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the emerging contours of digital society. It combines cutting-edge research with theoretical insights to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the complex dynamics of this rapidly evolving field. By exploring the relationship between digitization, social organization, and social transformation, the Handbook establishes a thematic framework for future teaching and research. The topics covered are impressively far-ranging and timely, reflecting the state-of-the-art of a field that is rapidly gaining cross-disciplinary interest and global importance. Whether you are a postgraduate student, academic, or practitioner, this Handbook will provide you with valuable insights and tools to navigate the digital landscape and contribute to the shaping of a more inclusive and sustainable digital society.

Weight: 1350g
Dimension: 246 x 184 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526498779