Communication Technology and Social Change: Theory and Implications

Communication Technology and Social Changeis a distinctive collection that provides current theoretical, empirical, and legal analyses for a broader understanding of the influences of communication technology on social change. With a distinguished panel of contributors, the volume presents a systematic discussion of the role communication technology plays in shaping social, political, and economic influences in society within specific domains and settings. Its integrated focus will expand and complement the scope of existing literature on this subject. This book is arranged into 15 chapters, each organized using a specific set of headings, including: *Backgroundoffering an introduction of relevant communication technology that outlines its technical capabilities, diffusion, and uses; *Theoryfeaturing a discussion of relevant theories used to study the social impacts of the communication technology in question; *Empirical Findingsproviding an analysis of recent academic and relevant practical work that explains the impact of the communication technology on social change; and *Social Change Implicationsproposing a summary of the real world implications for social change that stems from synthesizing the relevant theories and empirical findings presented throughout the book. Communication Technology and Social Changewill serve scholars, researchers, and graduate students examining communication and technology and its implications in society.

Carolyn A. Lin is a Professor of Communication Sciences. Lin’s research interests focus on the content, uses, and effects of new media technologies, health communication, advertising, public relations, and international communication. She is the founder of the Communication Technology Division at the Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication. Some of her current research projects include two federally-funded studies that implement interactive-media technology based health intervention programs, an externally-funded study that examines the diffusion effects of digital and satellite radio technology. She was a recipient of a University Distinguished Research Faculty award. 
David J. Atkin is a Professor of Communication Sciences. Atkin has done work on the adoption, use, and regulation of new media. He received the prestigious Krieghbaum Under-40 award, granted annually for distinction in research by the Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communciation. Atkin was a recipient of a University Distinguished Research as well as Teaching Awards. He is ranked among the 80 most prolific scholars in the history of our discipline, the 25 most prolific since 1995, and the two most prolific scholars in telecommunication as well as communication policy.