Full Description
In Social Media Cultures, Dhiraj Murthy provides a theoretically-grounded, historical exploration of the social media landscape. Uniquely tracing the evolution of social media - from traditional media like letters, postcards, and the telephone to new media and platforms - Murthy argues that these contemporary phenomena are not divorced from their analog antecedents. The historical and theoretical frameworks employed in this book allow readers to better understand the intricacies of nuanced modern dynamics like cancel culture, self-expression, and celebrity influence. Focusing on mobility, political discourse, and the power of witnessing from global perspectives, Murthy uses empirical case studies from both the Global South and North to demonstrate the profound impact of social media on culture, politics, and everyday life. Ultimately, Murthy encourages readers to reflect on their roles within the broader social media ecosystem and to consider the far-reaching consequences of social media engagement on a global scale. Scholars of communication, media studies, social media, and sociology will find this book of particular interest.
Contents
Chapter 1: What Are Social Media Cultures?
Chapter 2: A Historical and Theoretical Understanding of Social Media Cultures
Chapter 3: Networks and Social Media Cultures
Chapter 4: "Witness Cultures" on Social Media
Chapter 5: Mobile Social Media Cultures
Chapter 6: Celebrity and Influencer Social Media Cultures
Chapter 7: Self-Expression, Connectedness, and Community within Social Media Cultures
Chapter 8: Extremist Content, Politics, and Community
Chapter 9: Cancel Cultures
Chapter 10: The Implications of Social Media Cultures
