Twitter

Twitter has become a household name, discussed both for its role
in prominent national elections, natural disasters, and political
movements, as well as for what some malign as narcissistic
"chatter." This book takes a critical step back from
popular discourse and media coverage of Twitter, to present the
first balanced, scholarly engagement of this popular medium.

In this timely and comprehensive introduction, Murthy not only
discusses Twitter's role in our political, economic, and
social lives, but also draws a historical line between the
telegraph and Twitter to reflect on changes in social communication
over time. The book thoughtfully examines Twitter as an emergent
global communications medium and provides a theoretical framework
for students, scholars, and tweeters to reflect critically on the
impact of Twitter and the contemporary media environment. The book
uses case studies including citizen journalism, health, and
national disasters to provide empirically rich insights and to help
decipher some of the ways in which Twitter and social media more
broadly may be shaping contemporary life.

Auteur

Dhiraj Murthy is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Bowdoin College.

Résumé

Twitter has become a household name, discussed both for its role in prominent national elections, natural disasters, and political movements, as well as for what some malign as narcissistic chatter. This book takes a critical step back from popular discourse and media coverage of Twitter, to present the first balanced, scholarly engagement of this popular medium.

In this timely and comprehensive introduction, Murthy not only discusses Twitter's role in our political, economic, and social lives, but also draws a historical line between the telegraph and Twitter to reflect on changes in social communication over time. The book thoughtfully examines Twitter as an emergent global communications medium and provides a theoretical framework for students, scholars, and tweeters to reflect critically on the impact of Twitter and the contemporary media environment. The book uses case studies including citizen journalism, health, and national disasters to provide empirically rich insights and to help decipher some of the ways in which Twitter and social media more broadly may be shaping contemporary life.

Contenu

Figures and Tables viii

Preface and Acknowledgments ix

1 What is Twitter? 1

2 Contextualizing Twitter 14

3 Theorizing Twitter 24

4 Twitter and Journalism 51

5 Twitter and Disasters 70

6 Twitter and Activism 92

7 Twitter and Health 115

8 Conclusion 144

Notes 154

Glossary 159

References 162

Index 184