Media Ecology for the 21st Century: Theories of Culture, Communications, and Consciousness

This book frames ＂theories＂ as tools for understanding and applying real-world phenomena, bridging classic scholarship with the unprecedented challenges and opportunities posed by machine intelligence, digital platforms, and shifting cultural dynamics. Structured in four sections--Foundational Media Theories, Interaction and Impact Theories, Critical Media Perspective Theories, and Advanced and Future-Facing Theories--the textbook progresses from essential theories like Marshall McLuhan’s and Neil Postman’s Media Ecology Theory to cutting-edge concepts like Ambient Media and Attention Economy Theories. With chapters addressing topics such as algorithmic influence, media ecology, participatory media, and posthuman digital embodiment, the book offers a holistic view of media’s past, present, and evolving futures. The 12 future-focused media theories presented include the introduction of Quantum Media Theory and Gestalt Media Theory as an integrated, cross-disciplinary, approach to understanding media theory from a wholistic ＂whole is more than the sum of its parts＂ perspective.

Jack Myersis a Senior Lecturer on New Media Theory at the University of Arizona School of Information Sciences, author of The Myers Report column at Substack, and founder of the MediaVillage Education Foundation. He was an adjunct professor of Media Business at NYU Steinhardt. His honors include the Excellence in Education Award from the Global Forum on Education & Learning, the George Foster Peabody Award, Academy and EMMY Award nominations for documentary filmmaking, the Crystal Heart Award from the Heartland Film Festival, the World Music Award as its producer, and a Top 10 Most Admired Leader in Tech by Pinnacle Tech Insights.