De Gruyter Handbook of Digital Political Communication - (De Gruyter Contemporary Social Sciences Handbooks) by Mark Wheeler & Petros Iosifidis

Book Synopsis

The De Gruyter Handbook of Digital Political Communication provides a comprehensive survey of the contemporary trends concerning political communications in the digital realm, by analysing, assessing and explaining current debates around information and communications technologies in the political and public sphere. With accessible and thought-provoking chapters, this volume challenges readers' presuppositions.

The book shines a light on two different perspectives when it comes to the influence that social media have on politics: For advocates of a digital democracy, the abundance of unfiltered information they provide constitutes a decentralisation of power relations within the body politic, and a removal of old hierarchies. Conversely, critical theorists argue social media have created societal and political dislocations, which has eroded rational debate in favour of ideological polarisation. Celebrity politicians such as Donald Trump and tech giants like Elon Musk are examples of this within electoral and party politics. States and non-state actors have sought to enhance their soft power attraction to foreign publics. This book analyses the transformation in the behaviour of governing institutions, parties and the media through the digital commons.

About the Author

Mark Wheeler is a Professor of Political Communication and Research Lead at London Metropolitan University. His research interests include media and policy, political communication, social media and democracy, the politics of Hollywood and celebrity politics.

Petros Iosifidis is a Professor in Media Policy and Associate Dean at City St George's, University of London. He has acknowledged expertise in communications policy, public service media and regulation of social media.