Information is regarded as a distinguishing feature of our world. Where
once economies were built on industry and conquest, we are now part of a
global information economy. Pervasive media, expanding information
occupations and the development of the internet convince many that
living in an Information Society is the destiny of us all. Coping in an
era of information flows, of virtual relationships and breakneck change
poses challenges to one and all.
In Theories of the Information Society Frank Webster sets out to make
sense of the information explosion, taking a sceptical look at what
thinkers mean when they refer to the Information Society, and critically
examining the major post-war approaches to informational development.
The fourth edition of this classic study brings it up to date with new
research and with social and technological changes - from the 'Twitter
Revolutions' of North Africa, to financial crises that introduced the
worst recession in a life time, to the emergence of social media and
blogging - and reassesses the work of key theorists in the light of
these changes.
More outspoken than in previous editions, Webster urges abandonment of
Information Society scenarios, preferring analysis of the
informatization of long-established relationships. This
interdisciplinary book is essential reading for those trying to make
sense of social and technological change in the post-war era. It
addresses issues of central concern to students of sociology, politics,
geography, communications, information science, cultural studies,
computing and librarianship.