Understanding Social Media: Extensions of Their Users

The purpose of this book is to understand the nature of social media and the impact they are having on almost all aspects of modern-day existence, from family life and social interactions to education and commerce. The authors make use of Marshall McLuhans media ecology approach to understand media, revealing the effects of social media on their users, how they are changing the nature of our social interactions, and how we have become extensions of our social media. They analyze the major social media apps, the Splinternet, and the social media scene in Russia, China, North Korea, Vietnam, and the Islamic world. The book also examines the social media counter-revolution waged by players who helped to create social media.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 16 July 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

The purpose of this book is to delve into the intricate nature of social media and its profound impact on nearly every aspect of modern-day existence, spanning from family life and social interactions to education and commerce. Just as fish are oblivious to the water they navigate, and humans are unaware of the air they breathe, so too are users of social media unaware of the profound effects these media have on their lives. The authors employ Marshall McLuhan's media ecology approach to gain insights into the effects of social media on their users, exploring how they are reshaping the nature of our social interactions and how we, through our engagement with social media, have become extensions of these platforms, contrary to McLuhan's notion that media are extensions of humanity.

The authors meticulously analyze the major social media apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Tinder, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and blogs. Additionally, they examine the concept of the Splinternet and the social media landscape in various regions such as Russia, China, North Korea, Vietnam, and the Islamic world.

In their analysis, the authors delve into the significant consequences of social media monopolies, exploring the nature of advertising and branding within these platforms. They also examine the social media front in cyberwarfare and conclude with an insightful examination of the social media counter-revolution waged by individuals who played a pivotal role in the creation of social media.

Through their comprehensive exploration, Understanding Social Media provides a valuable perspective on the ever-evolving world of social media, shedding light on its complexities, implications, and the transformative power it holds in shaping our lives and societies.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433186752
Edition number: New ed