The internet and the mobile phone have disrupted many of our conventional understandings of ourselves and our relationships, raising anxieties and hopes about their effects on our lives. In this second edition of her timely and vibrant book, Nancy Baym provides frameworks for thinking critically about the roles of digital media in personal relationships. Rather than providing exuberant accounts or cautionary tales, it offers a data-grounded primer on how to make sense of these important changes in relational life Fully updated to reflect new developments in technology and digital scholarship, the book identifies the core relational issues these media disturb and shows how our talk about them echoes historical discussions about earlier communication technologies. Chapters explore how we use mediated language and nonverbal behavior to develop and maintain communities, social networks, and new relationships, and to maintain existing relationships in our everyday lives. The book combines research findings with lively examples to address questions such as: Can mediated interaction be warm and personal? Are people honest about themselves online? Can relationships that start online work? Do digital media damage the other relationships in our lives? Throughout, the book argues that these questions must be answered with firm understandings of media qualities and the social and personal contexts in which they are developed and used. This new edition of Personal Connections in the Digital Age will be required reading for all students and scholars of media, communication studies, and sociology, as well as all those who want a richer understanding of digital media and everyday life.

An engaging look at how technology is undermining our creativity and relationships and how face-to-face conversation can help us get it back.

'This is the most important - and fascinating - book yet written about how the digital age will affect our world' Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs From two leading thinkers, the widely anticipated book that describes a new, hugely connected world of the future, full of challenges and benefits which are ours to meet and harness. The New Digital Age is the product of an unparalleled collaboration: full of the brilliant insights of one of Silicon Valley's great innovators - what Bill Gates was to Microsoft and Steve Jobs was to Apple, Schmidt (along with Larry Page and Sergey Brin) was to Google - and the Director of Google Ideas, Jared Cohen, formerly an advisor to both Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton. Never before has the future been so vividly and transparently imagined. From technologies that will change lives (information systems that greatly increase productivity, safety and our quality of life, thought-controlled motion technology that can revolutionise medical procedures, and near-perfect translation technology that allows us to have more diversified interactions) to our most important future considerations (curating our online identity and fighting those who would do harm with it) to the widespread political change that will transform the globe (through transformations in conflict, increasingly active and global citizenries, a new wave of cyber-terrorism and states operating simultaneously in the physical and virtual realms) to the ever present threats to our privacy and security, Schmidt and Cohen outline in great detail and scope all the promise and peril awaiting us in the coming decades. A breakthrough book - pragmatic, inspirational and totally fascinating. Whether a government, a business or an individual, we must understand technology if we want to understand the future. 'A brilliant guidebook for the next century . . . Schmidt and Cohen offer a dazzling glimpse into how the new digital revolution is changing our lives' Richard Branson

Explores and analyzes past and current technologies and trends in multimedia communication Digital natives—those persons born in the digital age—have an ever-widening range of wireless-enabled devices at their disposal. They are the drivers of multimedia communications, continually seeking out the technologies and distribution channels that best match their needs. This book outlines the changes in telecommunications that are occurring to meet these needs. It addresses the continually increasing requirement to provide connections that make the electronic encounter as natural and convenient as possible, exploring the vast assortment of devices that exist as part of everyday living for digital natives. Featuring precise diagrams and tables to illustrate the evolving environment, the book begins by describing the competitive interactions of telephone, cable TV, and cellular mobile companies in providing services and content. It outlines the creation of digital multimedia streams and how they are transported, explains what multimedia connections are available, and summarizes the activities of competitors while providing an overview of their markets and customer statistics. This book uniquely covers wireline, optical fiber, cable, and wireless access methods, explaining the coding required to create digital streams. It combines ethernet with provider bridging and multi-protocol label switching and highlights the necessity to serve legacy streams. In addition, the book addresses controversial issue: will incumbent communications providers ever overtake Internet as the chief source of digital feeds and popular contents? Featuring extensive references and a glossary of multimedia terms, Connections for the Digital Age is written for digital natives and other persons with an interest in multimedia communications; industrial, commercial, and financial managers; engineers; software professionals and Internet specialists; and students at technical schools and universities.

"Beyond the Swipe: A Guide to Meaningful Connections in the Digital Age" is a transformative guide for anyone navigating the complex world of modern dating. In an era where digital interactions often replace face-to-face connections, this book emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a new perspective on finding love amidst the swipes and likes that define contemporary romance. Drawing upon a deep understanding of the current dating landscape, this book peels back the digital facade to reveal the opportunities and challenges of connecting in today's world. From the impact of social media on our perceptions of love and self-worth to the paradox of choice presented by dating apps, "Beyond the Swipe" delves into the factors that shape our dating experiences. But this book is more than just an analysis; it's a roadmap to finding genuine connections. Through a blend of personal insights, psychological research, and practical strategies, it guides readers through the process of building meaningful relationships. From crafting an authentic online presence to mastering the art of digital communication and navigating the transition from online interactions to meaningful real-world connections, this guide offers valuable tools for every step of the journey. "Beyond the Swipe" addresses not only how to initiate connections but also how to sustain them, exploring the art of nurturing relationships in a way that promotes mutual growth and understanding. It acknowledges the challenges inherent in modern dating but offers a hopeful and empowering message: that meaningful connections are possible, and they are worth the effort. Ideal for those who feel overwhelmed by the modern dating scene, "Beyond the Swipe" is a must-read for anyone looking to find love in the digital age without losing themselves in the process. It's an invitation to move beyond the superficial, embrace authenticity, and discover the profound connections that await beyond the swipe.

By evaluating the Internet's impact on key cultural issues of the day, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the seismic technological and cultural shifts the Internet has created in contemporary society. Books about Internet culture usually focus on the people, places, sites, and memes that constitute the "cutting-edge" at the time the book is written. That approach, alas, renders such volumes quickly obsolete. This provocative work, on the other hand, focuses on overarching themes that will remain relevant for the long term. The insights it shares will highlight the tremendous impact of the Internet on modern civilization—and individual lives—well after specific players and sites have fallen out of favor. Content is presented in two volumes. The first emphasizes the positive impact of Internet culture—for example, 24-hour access to information, music, books, merchandise, employment opportunities, and even romance. The second discusses the Internet's darker consequences, such as a demand for instant news that often pushes journalists to prioritize being first over being right, online scams, and invasions of privacy that can affect anyone who banks, shops, pays bills, or posts online. Readers of the set will clearly understand how the Internet has revolutionized communications and redefined human interaction, coming away with a unique appreciation of the realities of today's digital world—for better and for worse.

Polyvagal Parenting in the Digital Age: Nurturing Connection in a Connected World In an era where screens are an integral part of our daily lives, "Polyvagal Parenting in the Digital Age: Nurturing Connection in a Connected World" offers a groundbreaking approach to parenting that harmonizes the wisdom of polyvagal theory with the realities of the digital age. This insightful guide illuminates how understanding the polyvagal theory—our body's response to safety and threat—can empower parents to foster deeper connections with their children amidst the challenges and distractions of digital technology. This book navigates the intricate dance of raising children who are tech-savvy yet emotionally grounded. It demystifies the complexities of the polyvagal theory, making it accessible to parents, caregivers, and educators who seek to create a nurturing environment that prioritizes emotional connection and safety. Through a blend of scientific research, real-life examples, and practical exercises, readers will learn how to: Recognize and respond to their child's cues for connection and safety in both digital and non-digital contexts. Implement mindful technology use that supports healthy emotional development and family bonds. Equip children with the skills to navigate online spaces with empathy, resilience, and critical thinking. Cultivate a family culture that balances digital engagement with rich, offline experiences. Foster open communication about digital habits, creating a foundation for mutual understanding and respect. "Polyvagal Parenting in the Digital Age" is more than a parenting book; it's a compass for navigating the joys and challenges of raising empathetic, connected, and resilient children in a world where digital and real-life experiences are intertwined. Whether you're looking to reclaim quality family time from the grip of screens, understand your child's emotional needs better, or guide them safely through the online world, this book offers a path forward, ensuring that in a world of constant connectivity, meaningful connections flourish.