Carr offers a carefully crafted introductory text to help students and other readers get the most out of computer-mediated communication…. Carr begins with a clear definition of computer-mediated communication as a distinct field of research…and concludes with thoughtful examination of how the still-emerging tools of digital connectivity shape the nature of our interactions from small to large scales. True to the author's promise at the outset, this text provides a user-friendly overview of the current scholarship devoted to online communication and its relationship to the broader sociocultural environment, where communicating online has become a routine in both work and leisure. As Carr indicates, the book was written primarily for college students interested in communication and digital media. That said, given the important topics addressed and the author's superior presentation skills, the book will certainly be useful to audiences beyond academe. Recommended.

Choice Reviews

A must-read book of computer-mediated communication! If you want to study the latest “it” phenomenon, this is the go-to-book with comprehensive knowledge incorporating development of theories and the latest terms. The most updated and thorough knowledge of computer-mediated communication with easy-reading tone is all here in this book!

JihHsuan Tammy Lin, Distinguished Professor, National ChengChi University, Taiwan

The most comprehensive overview of the field of computer-mediated communication (CMC) - from the classic theories from the early days of the internet to phenomena like lightweight interactions on social media. The book is nevertheless timeless because it focuses on properties of CMC rather than specific technologies. A great resource for students!

Sonja Utz, Head of the Social Media Lab, Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tübingen

Professor Carr has provided a theoretically-rich and comprehensive review of computer-mediated communication research. The book spans a variety of important topics from the history of the Internet and early days of computer-mediated communication research to issues such as the digital divide, cybersurveillance, and the future of online communication. Moreover, the book masterfully synthesizes a large and diverse body of computer-mediated communication studies across multiple contexts, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and political communication. This book should become an important resource for researchers and students interested in computer-mediated communication in its many varied forms.

Kevin B. Wright, Professor in the Department of Communication, George Mason University

This book is a much-needed addition to the area of CMC that goes beyond an introduction and provides students with real-world, practical applications of the concepts covered. Carr offers a unique, refreshing take that draws upon CMC’s rich historical and theoretical foundations to orient students to the diversity of forms and functions of online interaction. Through clear, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand sections, this book should be of interest to both those who teach CMC as well as those wanting a well thought out initiation into it.

Artemio Ramirez, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications, University of South Florida