Social Media in the Digital Age: History, Ethics, and Professional Uses

Social Media in the Digital Age: History, Ethics, and Professional Uses details how the growth and development of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram have influenced how people interact with one another, receive news, and form social bonds. It introduces students to theories used to study social media, legal and ethical considerations for corporations and individual users, and examples of successful and unsuccessful social media usage to demonstrate its power and reach. 

Part One of the book focuses on the study of social media, addressing the rise of social media, the widespread impact of user-generated content, the demographics of individuals who use various platforms, and more. Part Two examines the ethics and legal issues surrounding social media, including copyright law, user policies, image and brand management, privacy, and other considerations of digital media use for individuals. Part Three addresses the professional uses of social media in public relations, advertising, marketing, journalism, nonprofit work, U.S. politics, international social media movements, and more. 

Social Media in the Digital Age is well suited for undergraduate courses in mass communication, broadcasting, history, and popular culture. It’s also a valuable resource for mass communications professionals.

Rebecca Coates Nee earned her Ed.D. in education technology from Pepperdine University, M.A. in journalism from Northwestern University, and B.A. in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is an associate professor in the School of Journalism & Media Studies at San Diego State University. Her research focuses on the impact of digital technology and social media on communication industry practices and consumer habits.