Digital Universe

For the student and general reader, a tour of the digital universe that offers critical observations and new perspectives on human communication and intelligence. Digital Universe traces the evolution of digital information and communication tools used worldwide, from Morse’s telegraph to the emergence of mobile phones as personal computers, and their seismic effects on society. Critical perspectives of the diffusion of these technologies are explored, including the “dark side” of the Internet; privacy, piracy, censorship and the digital divide, as well as the advent of online games, and virtual and augmented realities. This illuminating text introduces readers to important inventors, scientists, artists, and critics, offering a unique blend of technology, its socio-cultural effects, its history, and the human face of invention and criticism. This is more than a how-to book, it is an empowering tour of the digital universe offering critical observations and new perspectives on human communication and intelligence. For the student and general reader, a tour of the digital universe that offers critical observations and new perspectives on human communication and intelligence.* Traces the development and diffusion of digital information and communication technologies, providing an analysis of trans-cultural effects among developed and developing nations* Provides a balanced analysis of the pros and cons of the adoption and diffusion of digital technologies* Explores privacy, censorship, the digital divide, online games, and virtual and augmented realities* Follows a thematic structure, allowing readers to access the text at any point, based on their interests* Accompanying resources provide a wealth of related online content