Book review of social media communication: trends and theories by Zhong

Abstract

Although there are a plethora of titles dedicated to teaching people how to use different social media networking sites, a systematic examination of the mechanisms underlying social media but not limited to any specific platforms is overdue. Social Media Communication: Trends and Theories by Zhong (2021) fills the gap as a multidisciplinary book that combines theory with practical cases, and a book that not only teaches what it is or how it is, but why it is. The book takes a historical perspective in examining social media technology. Putting social media in historical context helps the reader not only understand the media’s current use and impact, but also their future development. The book also takes a global perspective. In today’s society, it is virtually impossible to ignore social media’s application outside the U.S. when discussing the media, considering that social media platforms often extend across national boundaries. Zhong’s book provides original research and insights from around the globe. Finally, the author offers a critical assessment of social media’s benefits and challenges. Zhong did not hide his excitement about social media’s potentials in shaping human society in positive ways, but he does not shy away from the risks and pitfalls inevitable with the use of social media either. The book consists of two parts. Part I discusses the theoretical foundation of social media use. Chapter 1 focuses on the power of social media. The message is clear: No one can afford to resist social media use. The author also introduces adoption models of media technologies, highlighting the differences between the adoption model of social media technologies and traditional media technologies (e.g., television, radio). Chapter 2 traces human civilization in terms of technological advances. Social media technology is situated in the current era of internet civilization, following the era of information civilization. Chapters 3 to 5 examine the implications of social media in interpersonal and group communication and the impact of social media on information processing and cognition. Chapters 6 to 8 focus on some