Since their emergence around 1985, the new media have significantly changed the way in which we, the consumers, view and interact with our everyday world. Developed countries already have access to advanced new media applications, while developing countries are continually making innovations and increasing their presence in the new media sector. New media in the information society discusses social, economic, educational, political and regulatory aspects of the new media, as well as their impact on society and users in general. New media in the information society guides the student through the world of new media - from earliest history to modern-day theories and applications. Large-scale issues such as e-government, cyber crime and Internet policy are explored, although the focus remains on the impact of new media on the individual. Revision questions are provided for each chapter. Contents include the following: Social networking; virtual worlds; new media and journalism: offline and online newspapers and magazines; mobile telecommunications, promotion and distribution; globalisation and the public broadcaster; information and communication technology infrastructure in South Africa and the rest of Africa; internet addiction disorder. New media in the information society is aimed at senior undergraduate students who are studying new media courses or information and communication technology modules, as well as at students of telecommunications policy and regulation. Telecommunications policy researchers and ICT sector analysts will also find this book useful.