Handbook of Social and Communication Networks (Research Handbooks on Social Networks series)

This comprehensive Handbook explores the application of social network analysis and network science in the field of communication studies. Leading experts examine the interactions between social and communication networks, with a particular emphasis on network media effects.

Contributing authors highlight the growing gap between research on traditional media effects, which frequently relies on limited survey data, and the realities of digital information dissemination through platforms and algorithms. Drawing on both conceptual and methodological frameworks, the book provides crucial insights into how non-human actors and platform affordances impact communication and information flow. Chapters define essential theoretical concepts while outlining practical approaches, guidelines and future research directions. They discuss news consumption, hybrid media systems, social capital, computational methods, algorithmic curation systems and the visualization of network topologies.

The Handbook of Social and Communication Networks consolidates the disciplinary boundaries of social and communication network research, making it a valuable resource for scholars and students of communication, media, sociology, computer science and information studies.

Edited by Marco Bastos, Ad Astra Fellow, School of Information and Communication Studies, University College Dublin, Ireland and Senior Lecturer, Department of Media, Culture and Creative Industries, City St George’s, University of London, UK and Luca Rossi, Associate Professor, Data Science Section, IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark