Social Media and the Public Interest
Media Regulation in the Disinformation Age
by Philip M. Napoli
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Pub Date Aug 27 2019 | Archive Date Nov 28 2019
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Description
Social Media and the Public Interest explores how and why social media platforms became so central to news consumption and distribution as they met many of the challenges of finding information—and audiences—online. Napoli illustrates the implications of a system in which coders and engineers drive out journalists and editors as the gatekeepers who determine media content. He argues that a social media–driven news ecosystem represents a case of market failure in what he calls the algorithmic marketplace of ideas. To respond, we need to rethink fundamental elements of media governance based on a revitalized concept of the public interest. A compelling examination of the intersection of social media and journalism, Social Media and the Public Interest offers valuable insights for the democratic governance of today’s most influential shapers of news.
Advance Praise
"While recent episodes have raised questions about algorithmic manipulation and discrimination, what remained missing was a truly comprehensive account, one that not only synthesizes the state of affairs but also offers a conceptual framework for interpreting these developments in light of public policy, news values and ethics, and the future of the public sphere. This book bridges that gap."
-Seth C. Lewis, Papé Chair in Emerging Media, University of Oregon
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780231184540 |
| PRICE | $35.00 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Linda S, Librarian
SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST by Philip M. Napoli is an important contribution and essential reference to the ongoing debate about the role and regulation of social media platforms. Praised by dana boyd and others, this work focuses on how social media platforms (like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp) have "unexpectedly become key platforms for how journalism (and disinformation posing as journalism) is produced, disseminated, and consumed." Napoli explores their "gatekeeping" roles, noting, for example, "that Facebook went from accounting for 16 percent of referrals to online news sites in 2013 to more than 40 percent in 2017" although he also later questions whether we have seen the peak. Napoli provides historical context, too, in that he contrasts the "unprecedented level of regulatory oversight" for radio broadcasting technology (e.g., federal licensing, indecency rules, and public affairs programming requirements) with less dramatic changes for other technologies like cable and the "pinballing ... between the imposition and elimination of net neutrality regulations." This work is written by an academic and while therefore somewhat wordy and jargon-laden, it should be viewed by more than policy wonks and be of concern to all. Napoli is writing "about a problem related to the effective functioning of the democratic process, ... the very nature of the problem undermines the means for developing and adopting solutions." Napoli is a Duke University Professor and thorough researcher; roughly a third of SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST contains extensive source notes and additional commentary.
Chrystopher L, Librarian
A fascinating and in-depth look at the evolution of social and mass media companies.
I really enjoyed this - for such an academic topic, it's written with a surprisingly accessible voice. It covers an important topic with even-handed logic, and I think it would make an interesting companion read to books like Information Wars.
A really interesting look inside what's happening with journalism, social media, and tech companies.
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