Social Media and Society: An Introduction to the Mass Media Landscape

by Regina Luttrell, Adrienne A. Wallace associate professor of advertising and public relations, Grand Valley State

Overview

Regina Luttrell and Adrienne A. Wallace present an engaging introduction of social media's integration with modern society. Recognizing categories of relational, societal, and self while analyzing the social media environment, this introductory mass communications textbook establishes a framework for understanding how technology, culture, democracy, economy, and audience fragmentation interact with each media industry differently and relate to media literacy. Armed with this knowledge, future professional communicators gain a better understanding of their audience and the level to which their strategies influence the public.

Social Media and Society empowers students as consumers and creators of social media and illustrates that, while the tools of communication have changed, the goals of social connection and influence have not. Features of this unique text include the following:

• Relational/Societal/Self boxes provide a framework for analysis of media and society
• In Theory boxes attaching theory to practice
• Learning tools and enhanced pedagogy, such as Learning Objectives, Chapter Wrap-Up; Critical Thinking Questions, Media Sources, and End of Chapter Activities
• Comprehensive Glossary of key terms
• Full-color visuals capturing key trends and up-to-date data

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538129098
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/12/2021
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	998,418
Product dimensions:	7.05(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.42(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Regina Luttrell is associate dean of research and creative activities and assistant professor of public relations at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. A contributor to PR Tactics and PR News as well as peer-reviewed journals, she is a noted speaker as well as a Knight Foundation Tow Journalism Fellow. She has authored several books, including Social Media: How to Engage, Share, and Connect (fourth edition, 2021); Public Relations Campaigns: An Integrated Approach; The PR Agency Handbook; and The Millennial Mindset: Unraveling Fact from Fiction.

Adrienne A. Wallace is assistant professor at Grand Valley State University, where she teaches courses in advertising and public relations. Adrienne has more than 22 years of professional experience in both the public and private sectors, including nonprofit, health, education, government, hospitality, politics, lobbying, and finance. She is a Kopenhaver Center Fellow, a frequent contributor to industry publications, and a conference speaker on all things related to digital/social media strategy, student-run firms, and experiential learning design.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Part I: Social Media Defined, Distinguished, and Delineated

1. Mass Media to Niche Media

2. The Framework of Social Media

3. Law, Ethics, and Responsibility

4. Societal Impacts of Social Media

Part 2: Communication Contexts for Social Media

5. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence

6. Measuring Social Media

7. Business and Strategic Communications

8. Crisis Communication

9. Political and Civic Communication

10. Entertainment and Sports Media

11. Health Communications

Part 3: Making the Most of Social Media

12. Keeping Up with Social Media

Glossary

Editorial Reviews

”The textbook is an ideal fit for anyone teaching a course that centers on the impact of social media on industry practices and society, or as an excellent supplemental text for courses with a broader focus on the impact of different forms of mass communication on society and professional practice.”

Journalism and Mass Communication Educator

If you're looking for a textbook that centers the learner, highlights theory, and links current theory and practice, this text is a great fit.

Tiffany R. Wang

This clear and approachable book starts from the ground up to explain social media in a way that any student can understand. The second edition adds essential new content on AI, as well as ethics and diversity.

Margaret Murray

New and seasoned professors will appreciate the relevant and timely critical analyses of established and new brands, connection of theory with action, and highlighted examples from popular culture and contemporary issues such as AI. I highly recommend this book.

Mark Congdon Jr.

Social Media and Society: An Introduction to the Mass Media Landscape advances our understanding of social media communication through its application to health care and the Covid-19 pandemic. This comprehensive introduction to social media will be a useful guide for students and social media managers.

Jeremy Harris Lipschultz

The authors note that the goal of the book is to, “engage students as consumers and creators of social media by providing a framework for understanding and connection among social media, mass communications, and the impact on society” (Luttrell & Wallace, 2021, p. vii). They have succeeded and I commend their efforts! I recommend this book without hesitation as a required or suggested reading in undergraduate courses such as survey of public relations, introduction to mass media, mass media and society, social media strategy, social media and society, and more. The book can be used in its entirety or adopted for its applicable sections or chapters, depending on curriculum and pedagogical needs.

Journal of Public Relations Education