New Media: A Critical Introduction

by Martin Lister, Jon Dovey, Seth Giddings

New A Critical Introduction is a comprehensive introduction to the culture, history, technologies and theories of new media. Written especially for students, the book considers the ways in which 'new media' really are new, assesses the claims that a media and technological revolution has taken place and formulates new ways for media studies to respond to new technologies. The authors introduce a wide variety of topics how to define the characteristics of new media; social and political uses of new media and new communications; new media technologies, politics and globalization; everyday life and new media; theories of interactivity, simulation, the new media economy; cybernetics, cyberculture, the history of automata and artificial life. Substantially updated from the first edition to cover recent theoretical developments, approaches and significant technological developments, this is the best and by far the most comprehensive textbook available on this exciting and expanding subject. At www.newmediaintro.com you will

Genres: Nonfiction, School

462 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best written new media text I've come across. It addresses and complicates many false assumptions about media and equally presents multiple sides to a debate. Additionally, I really appreciate that it defines cultural terms that are often taken for granted (that we know what they mean) or are misused. It addresses media from many perspectives - technological, social, historical, and cultural - I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in moving beyond the typical "either or" debates - particularly the dystopic or utopian concepts - regarding "new" media.

[Sergej van Middendorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tough stuff, but a very good introduction into the scholarly conversation of new media. I especially liked the analogies and illustrations to define analog and digital as concepts.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I don't have too much experience reading *textbooks* about new media, this one struck me as particularly well-done and thorough. Though I'm not always wholly convinced by the authors' conclusions, their synthetic and clear approach that takes into account an incredibly broad swath of writing on all different types of new media is much appreciated. I plan to use many portions of this book in a course I will soon be teaching, as well as model some of its case studies in choosing others that are in closer alignment with my course. I'm hoping that using some of this book's explanatory chapters (particularly those regarding technological determinism and cultural approaches to media studies) will help students to situate new media into a more analytic framework.

[K Shark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this book to brush up on a few things and I've since decided to buy it. The book covers a lot of ground and I could see it being really useful for teaching and readings. It's also handy for learning about or getting perspective on new media topics which you aren't so familiar with.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

potentially interesting material, but boring to sit and read through

[Ez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great if new media and convergence is your thing..........it's not mine!