ABC-CLIO Online around the World: A Geographic Encyclopedia of the Internet, Social Media, and Mobile Apps

Covering more than 80 countries around the world, this book provides a compelling, contemporary snapshot of how people in other countries are using the Internet, social media, and mobile apps. How do people in other countries use the social media platform Facebook differently than Americans do? What topics are discussed on the largest online forum―one in Indonesia, with more than seven million registered users? Why does Mongolia rate in the top-ten countries worldwide for peak Internet speeds? Readers of Online around the World: A Geographic Encyclopedia of the Internet, Social Media, and Mobile Apps will discover the answers to these questions and learn about people's Internet and social media preferences on six continents―outside of the online community of users within the United States. The book begins with an overview of the Internet, social media platforms, and mobile apps that chronologically examines the development of technological innovations that have made the Internet what it is today. The country-specific entries that follow the overview provide demographic information and describe specific events influenced by online communications, allowing readers to better appreciate the incredible power of online interactions across otherwise-unconnected individuals and the realities and peculiarities of how people communicate in today's fast-paced, globalized, and high-technology environment. This encyclopedia presents social media and the Internet in new light, identifying how the use of language and the specific application of human culture impacts emerging technologies and communications, dramatically affecting everything from politics to social activism, education, and censorship. Demonstrates that while the Internet and the human desire to connect with others is universal, people in different cultures and regions have different preferences for what, where, and how they communicate online Identifies the ways in which the Internet and social media have profoundly impacted the world economically, culturally, and politically Chronicles the development of major social media innovations that have shaped online environments Review [T]he volume provides much useful data and helpful discussion about online access and internet use around the world. . . . The compilation will be useful as a snapshot of internet use in different countries and for its extensive reading lists. Summing Up: Recommended. All libraries. All levels.-- " Choice" High school students in need of information for reports and general readers interested in global online use will appreciate this insightful and intriguing encyclopedia.-- " Library Journal" Some would be surprised that Facebook and other popular websites are not the most favored or used by various worldwide populations. . . . This volume is an excellent reference work which documents online usage and activity around the world.-- " ARBAonline" About the Author Laura Steckman, PhD, is a social scientist who studies how people and culture influence and interact with emerging technologies. Marilyn J. Andrews explores organic multicultural communities that form in online environments. Her previous research examined indigenous identity expressions in online media.