Engaging, up-to-date, and accessible, introduces you to crucial questions and issues in media use, the possible negative effects of media, and theories and research on mediated communication. The text helps readers develop an awareness of the diversity of mediated messages and media use responses. It also considers potential positive outcomes of media use and why we enjoy the internet and media, topics that are particularly important in today's digital world. Topics covered include: how mediated communication affects our worldviews and social groups; how news coverage takes shape and is consumed by audiences; political communication and opinion expression; emotions and pleasure resulting from mediated communication; health communication; computer-mediated communication; and much more.