side-promo

'Streaming Social Media, Mobile Lifestyles Volume 1': A rare and friendly research book

Picture: 

Whitney Eaton, Youthlink Writer

If you're looking for a book with which to cuddle up on a rainy day and you come across this book, you're in the wrong section of the bookstore. However, if you are a business person, a media student or teacher, or if you're borderline computer literate but not quite there, then grab a copy and set up camp with Streaming Social Media, Mobile Lifestyles Volume 1 by Dr Marcia Forbes. She has managed to produce something rare: a research-based book that doesn't read like stereo instructions.

Intended to explain the inner workings of the global phenomenon that is social media, specifically paying keen attention to Facebook and Twitter - the current juggernauts of social media - Streaming Social Media, Mobile Lifestyles Volume 1 is both functional and charismatic. Formed by solid and adequately sourced facts, data, scenarios and short stories, inclusive of Dr Forbes' own journey - as an adult - into the intoxicating and often confusing world of social media, Streaming Social Media, Mobile Lifestyles Volume 1 is where research and personal experience meet for drinks. This makes it a perfect academic book, as well as parenting aid. Even grandparents who can't seem to understand the hypnotism of Facebook and Twitter will 'get' this book. In it, Dr Forbes explains why children are not only glued to the screen of their laptop,s but also have a smartphone bolted to their palms.

Two words to describe Streaming Social Media, Mobile Lifestyles Volume 1 are 'user-friendly'. Not only does it read well, but Dr Forbes' tone throughout is so friendly that it feels conversational. Additionally, there is a nifty glossary of key words, phrases and abbreviations that tend to baffle the inexperienced who are attempting to 'immigrate' into the wide world of social media. In addition to meanings for LOL, BRB, OOMF and Tweep, you'll learn about:

 

  • The (possible) effects of social media on self-image, others and friendship.
  • The major issue of privacy faced when dealing with social media in everyday life.
  • The 'dark side' of Facebook and Twitter as a distraction from work and a social firing range.
  • The effect and influence of social media on adolescent sexuality.

 

If you are not an avid Tweeter or Facebook-er, you'll be more inclined to become one (or both) by the end of this book. If you enjoyed Dr Forbes' Music, Media & Adolescent Sexuality in Jamaica or Thumbonomics by Heather Lutze, then feel free to pick up a copy of Streaming Social Media, Mobile Lifestyles Volume 1; you'll be glad you took the time to read it.