Vidzeme University professor publishes book on social media

Vidzeme University professor Jānis Buholcs has published a book analysing social media, their influence on communication and their role in social and political processes, LSM reports.

The book, titled The Age of Social Media, examines where personal choice ends and the influence of algorithms begins. It also explores the difference between social networks and social media.

The more than 300-page book looks at social media from several perspectives. Buholcs said it was written not only for students and industry professionals, but for anyone who wants to better understand an environment used by almost everyone in daily life.

“It is about private communication, as well as social media as a phenomenon at the level of society, their role in various social and political fields and activities. It is also about how social media are managed, that is, how what we see is the result of various decisions,” Buholcs said.

Buholcs worked on the book for about two years, drawing on more than 15 years of research into social media, work in higher education and teaching students.

The book also challenges assumptions that have become widespread in society, including the idea that algorithms alone determine people’s information environments. Buholcs said research shows that people’s own choices also play an important role, including whom they follow, what they read and which content they choose to engage with.

He said the book also addresses language and terminology and is intended to encourage readers to think critically about their use of social media and their personal data.