Read more
This book frames "theories" as tools for understanding and applying real-world phenomena, bridging classic scholarship with the unprecedented challenges and opportunities posed by machine intelligence, digital platforms, and shifting cultural dynamics. Structured in four sections Foundational Media Theories, Interaction and Impact Theories, Critical Media Perspective Theories, and Advanced and Future-Facing Theories the textbook progresses from essential theories like Marshall McLuhan s and Neil Postman's Media Ecology Theory to cutting-edge concepts like Ambient Media and Attention Economy Theories. With chapters addressing topics such as algorithmic influence, media ecology, participatory media, and posthuman digital embodiment, the book offers a holistic view of media s past, present, and evolving futures. The 12 future-focused media theories presented include the introduction of Quantum Media Theory and Gestalt Media Theory as an integrated, cross-disciplinary, approach to understanding media theory from a wholistic whole is more than the sum of its parts perspective.
List of contents
Chapter 1: The Brave New World of Media Ecology.- Chapter 2: Transformative Power of Media in Shaping Society.- Chapter 3: Media Ecology Theory: The Evolution of Media Environments.- Chapter 4: Quantum Media Theory: Rethinking Media in the Age of Entanglement.- Chapter 5: Cultural Media Theory:Media as aCultural Force.- Chapter 6: Technological Determinism Theory: Media as a Driver of Social Change.- Chapter 7: Algorithmic Media Theory.- Chapter 8: Networked Motivations and Human Gratifications Theory.- Chapter 9: Participatory Media Theory.- Chapter 10: Attention Economy Theory.- Chapter 11: Propaganda Theory: Propaganda as the Foundation of Public Discourse.- Chapter 12: Ambient Media Theory and Its Place in Media Studies.- Chapter 13: Posthumanism and Digital Embodiment Theory.- Chapter 14: Gestalt Media Theory A Comprehensive Framework.- Chapter 15: Enhanced Learning and Education for the Quantum Age.- Chapter 16: Media Theories Still Worth Noting.
About the author
Jack Myers
is a Senior Lecturer on New Media Theory at the University of Arizona School of Information Sciences, author of The Myers Report column at Substack, and founder of the MediaVillage Education Foundation. He was an adjunct professor of Media Business at NYU Steinhardt. His honors include the Excellence in Education Award from the Global Forum on Education & Learning, the George Foster Peabody Award, Academy and EMMY Award nominations for documentary filmmaking, the Crystal Heart Award from the Heartland Film Festival, the World Music Award as its producer, and a Top 10 Most Admired Leader in Tech by Pinnacle Tech Insights.
Summary
This book frames "theories" as tools for understanding and applying real-world phenomena, bridging classic scholarship with the unprecedented challenges and opportunities posed by machine intelligence, digital platforms, and shifting cultural dynamics. Structured in four sections—Foundational Media Theories, Interaction and Impact Theories, Critical Media Perspective Theories, and Advanced and Future-Facing Theories—the textbook progresses from essential theories like Marshall McLuhan’s and Neil Postman's Media Ecology Theory to cutting-edge concepts like Ambient Media and Attention Economy Theories. With chapters addressing topics such as algorithmic influence, media ecology, participatory media, and posthuman digital embodiment, the book offers a holistic view of media’s past, present, and evolving futures. The 12 future-focused media theories presented include the introduction of Quantum Media Theory and Gestalt Media Theory as an integrated, cross-disciplinary, approach to understanding media theory from a wholistic “whole is more than the sum of its parts” perspective.
