Synopses & Reviews
This book argues that the plethora of new genres, apps and services in digital personal media must be understood historically and sociologically, and insists that sociology, media and communication theory can provide insight beyond surveys on media use and effects. It introduces key terms like 'personal media', 'personalisation' and the 'lifeworld' in order to embed current media use in a proper historical context and theoretical framework. Theorists like McLuhan, Goffman, Habermas, Luhmann, Bauman, de Certeau and Foucault are discussed to indicate the formative power of personal media in daily life. This book argues that mass communication models will not do in examining the use of personal media. Key communication theories are discussed along with the concepts of skills, social capital and social network.
Synopsis
This book addresses the widespread use of digital personal media in daily life. With a sociological and historical perspective, it explores the media-enhanced individualization and rationalization of the lifeworld, discussing the dramatic mediatization of daily life and calling on theorists such as McLuhan, Habermas and Goffman.
About the Author
Terje Rasmussen is Professor of Media Studies at the Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo, Norway. His books in English include Social Theory and Communication Technology and Digital Media Revisited: Theoretical and Conceptual Innovations in Digital Domains (with Gunnar Liestøl and Andrew Morrison).
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Personal Media2. Encircling the Person3. A Networked Lifeworld4. Communication in Personal Media5. Personal Media Theory6. Personal Media and Social Capital