Providing a thorough explanation of how media technologies develop, operate, converge, and affect society, MEDIA NOW: UNDERSTANDING MEDIA, CULTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY, 9e empowers you to think critically about the media and its effects on culture. It provides a comprehensive introduction to today's global media environment and the ongoing developments in technology, culture, and critical theory that continue to transform this rapidly evolving industry-and affect your everyday life. With its cutting-edge coverage of the essential history, theories, concepts, and technical knowledge, MEDIA NOW helps you sharpen your media literacy skills-preparing you for work in the expanding fields of the Internet, interactive media, and traditional media industries. It includes the latest developments and trends in social media, e-publishing, policy changes for Internet governance, online privacy protection, online ad exchanges, the changing video game industry, and much more.