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.