Provides an historical and theoretical overview of social media combined with a discussion of its use in strategic communication for social change. Brings together leading strategic communication scholars and educators who have valuable insights for both social media and public relations as activism.

Provides an historical and theoretical overview of social media combined with a discussion of its use in strategic communication for social change. Brings together leading strategic communication scholars and educators who have valuable insights for both social media and public relations as activism.

Research Perspectives on Social Media Influencers and Brand Communication examines the myriad ways in which social media and the unique characteristics of the internet have changed brand communication for both brands and consumers, focusing on the social media influencer as a brand communicator. As brands have noticed the rise of social media influencers as tastemakers and leaders in public opinion, they have increasingly begun to incorporate social media influencers into their brand communication strategies. Each chapter of this book represents a unique theoretical and methodological approach to examining the emergence and growing legitimacy of the social media influencer as a brand communicator from a variety of perspectives and contexts, discussing challenges and opportunities afforded to brands by social media influencers and providing an overview of the current research on the use of these branding approaches. Scholars of media studies, communication, and marketing will find this book particularly useful.

In this book established researchers draw on a range of theoretical and empirical perspectives to examine social media's impact on American politics. Chapters critically examine activism in the digital age, fake news, online influence, messaging tactics, news transparency and authentication, consumers' digital habits and ultimately the societal impacts that continue to be created by combining social media and politics. Through this book readers will better understand and approach with questions such as: * How exactly and why did social media become a powerful factor in politics? * What responsibilities do social networks have in the proliferation of factually wrong and hate-filled messages? Or should individuals be held accountable? * What are the state-of-the-art of computational techniques for measuring and determining social media's impact on society? * What role does online activism play in today's political arena? * What does the potent combination of social media and politics truly mean for the future of democracy? The insights and debates found herein provide a stronger understanding of the core issues and steer us toward improved curriculum and research aimed at a better democracy. Democracy in the Disinformation Age: Influence and Activism in American Politics will appeal to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as academics with an interest in areas including political science, media studies, mass communication, PR, and journalism.

In this book established researchers draw on a range of theoretical and empirical perspectives to examine social media's impact on American politics. Chapters critically examine activism in the digital age, fake news, online influence, messaging tactics, news transparency and authentication, consumers' digital habits and ultimately the societal impacts that continue to be created by combining social media and politics. Through this book readers will better understand and approach with questions such as: * How exactly and why did social media become a powerful factor in politics? * What responsibilities do social networks have in the proliferation of factually wrong and hate-filled messages? Or should individuals be held accountable? * What are the state-of-the-art of computational techniques for measuring and determining social media's impact on society? * What role does online activism play in today's political arena? * What does the potent combination of social media and politics truly mean for the future of democracy? The insights and debates found herein provide a stronger understanding of the core issues and steer us toward improved curriculum and research aimed at a better democracy. Democracy in the Disinformation Age: Influence and Activism in American Politics will appeal to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as academics with an interest in areas including political science, media studies, mass communication, PR, and journalism.

Joining a thriving field of new media, this collective volume authored by global academics features important research by thought leaders within computer-mediated communication (CMC) and social media. Featuring 40 comprehensive chapters of new research that focuses on what is new, relevant, and cutting edge in the areas of CMC and social media, authors critically explore topics ranging from social media theories to civil rights. Divided into three parts, the handbook begins with theory and methods, which sets the foundation for the text and then moves into the applicability of strategy, tactics, and measurement. The final focus is toward the future of CMC and social media and its impact on the study and practice of communication. Uniquely relating social media communication research to its computer-mediated communication foundation, as well as digital and emerging media trends, this handbook is an indispensable resource whether you're a graduate student or a seasoned practitioner.

Research Perspectives on Social Media Influencers and Brand Communication examines the myriad ways in which social media and the unique characteristics of the internet have changed brand communication for both brands and consumers, focusing on the social media influencer as a brand communicator. As brands have noticed the rise of social media influencers as tastemakers and leaders in public opinion, they have increasingly begun to incorporate social media influencers into their brand communication strategies. Each chapter of this book represents a unique theoretical and methodological approach to examining the emergence and growing legitimacy of the social media influencer as a brand communicator from a variety of perspectives and contexts, discussing challenges and opportunities afforded to brands by social media influencers and providing an overview of the current research on the use of these branding approaches. Scholars of media studies, communication, and marketing will find this book particularly useful.

Explores how Gen Z is a generation to be admired and celebrated for their superhero qualities. From the authors of The Millennial Mindset: Unraveling Fact from Fiction, comes this thought-provoking in-depth consideration of the next generation. In their book, Gen Z: The Superhero Generation, Regina Luttrell and Karen McGrath explain who this generation is, how they came to be, and the impact they will have on society. Superheroes are often defined as courageous, powerful, virtuous, and strong. Equipped with unique superpowers, these individuals stand up for what is right, battling supervillains to ensure that good prevails and all is well in the world. With a worldwide fascination surrounding superheroes, it should come as no surprise that the next generation, GenZ, display many of the characteristics found within the pages of the most popular hero-centric comic books. The Superhero Generation is making its mark and gaining recognition as the generation that is willing to once again assemble, march, speak, and defy in ways previous generations have not. In this book learn the characteristics of Gen-Zers to understand how to reach them in positive productive ways. Parents, educators, and employers will learn how to tap into the endless potential of this generation, preparing them for home, school, and workplace environments that will play to their strengths and impact the world for years to come.

Trump Tweets, the World Reacts: Understanding What Is Relevant and Why illustrates and articulates the intimate connection between theories presented in communication and the mediums through which President Trump communicates. Drawing on a range of theoretical and empirical perspectives, this collection examines several transformations and implications of President Trump's influence on the social sphere, within economies, among government entities, and on the communications profession.

On a daily basis, public relations practitioners are tasked with making ethical decisions, such as advising a client to fully disclose a corporate relationship or advocating for honesty when working with the media. A Practical Guide to Ethics in Public Relations is designed for courses in contemporary studies of public relations and communications. This text highlights the delicate balance required to navigate the values and demands implicit to the field of public relations and those that underlie society as a whole. Students are encouraged to examine their own values and compare them to those commonly encountered in a professional setting. Brimming with case studies, practitioner advice, practical ethical dilemmas, and popular culture references, A Practical Guide to Ethics in Public Relations is the ideal text for students grappling with the inevitable ethical dilemmas that arise in professional public relations.