WhatsApp: From a one-to-one Messaging App to a Global Communication Platform

WhatsApp has transformed from a simple messaging app to a global communication platform,with unique characteristics that mediate new social and commercial transactions,pose challenges for platform regulation,civic participation,and democracy,and give rise to new digital literacy. This book is an essential resource for students and scholars of digital media,cultural studies,and media and communications.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

In the 2010s, as chat apps surged in popularity, WhatsApp emerged as a dominant force in the global communication landscape, surpassing its rivals in terms of user base and functionality. This book delves into the remarkable journey of WhatsApp, from its humble beginnings in 2009 to its current status as a global communication platform. The authors argue that WhatsApp has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a simple and gimmick-free app into a versatile and influential tool for communication.

By examining WhatsApp's evolution, the book sheds light on the broader trajectory of Meta's industrial development and the evolving dynamics of digital economies and social media landscapes. It explores how WhatsApp's unique characteristics facilitate new forms of social and commercial interactions, pose challenges for platform regulation, civic participation, and democracy, and contribute to the development of digital literacy as it becomes deeply embedded in everyday digital cultures worldwide.

Written in a accessible and engaging style, this book is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and professionals interested in digital media, cultural studies, and media and communications. It offers insights into the evolving nature of communication technologies, their impact on society, and the opportunities and challenges they present.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 153 x 218 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509550524