Description
Book SynopsisFor the student and general reader, a tour of the digital universe that offers critical observations and new perspectives on human communication and intelligence.
- Traces the development and diffusion of digital information and communication technologies, providing an analysis of trans-cultural effects among developed and developing nations
- Provides a balanced analysis of the pros and cons of the adoption and diffusion of digital technologies
- Explores privacy, censorship, the digital divide, online games, and virtual and augmented realities
- Follows a thematic structure, allowing readers to access the text at any point, based on their interests
- Accompanying resources provide a wealth of related online content
- Selected by Choice as a 2013 Outstanding Academic Title
Trade ReviewNamed CHOICE Outstanding Title for 2012
“There are some really nice touches in this book. It is well written. The cases are accessible and relevant. The tables, lists, and some of the figures lucidly present taxonomies and provide chronological information on important topics.” (International Journal of Communication, 1 August 2012)
“Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. (Choice, 1 August 2012)
Table of ContentsPreface vii
Acknowledgments ix
Some Key Terms xi
Part I Introduction and Framing 1
1 The Digital Universe: A "Quick-Start" Introduction 3
2 Thinking About Moore's Law 14
3 Critical Perspectives 25
Part II Internet and Web History 41
4 Origins of the Internet 43
5 Internet Evolution 64
6 The Web 82
Part III Telecommunication and Media Convergence 103
7 Telecommunication and the "Flat" World 105
8 Digital Media Convergence 127
Part IV Internet Control, Cyberculture, and Dystopian Views 143
9 The Public and Private Internet 145
10 Censorship and Global Cyberculture 168
11 The Dark Side 186
Part V New Communication Technologies and the Future 205
12 Wired and Wireless Technologies 207
13 Virtual and Augmented Worlds 226
14 The Future of the Digital Universe 253
Index 270
