Collective Behavior and Public Opinion : Rapid Shifts in Opinion and Communication

ISBN-13: 9780805843866 / Angielski / Twarda / 2003 / 320 str.

Jaap Van Ginneken

Opis

A Volume in the European Institute for the Media Series This is the first book to demonstrate the relevance of chaos and complexity theory to communications. The dynamics of the title reflect the way collective behaviour is influenced by these theories. The book is very topical and contains a large number of international examples of collective behaviour phenomena, some very recent.

Spis treści

Contents: Preface. Introduction: A New Vision. Part I: Mind Quakes. Public Opinion as a Complex Adaptive System (CAS). The Continuous Mutation of Informal Messages. Circular Reaction in Media Hypes. Part II: Emerging Collective Behavior. The Formation of Synergy in Crowds. The Emergence of Patterns in Opinion Currents. The Self-Organization of Social Movements. Part III: Shifting Public Moods. The Evolving Context of Fashion and Fads. Critical Thresholds in Fear and Panic. Possible Attractors in Outrage and Protest. Part IV: Conclusion. Phase Transitions in Crazes and Crashes. Prediction, Planning, and Fundamental Uncertainty. Epilogue: Issues Management.

O autorze

Jaap van Ginneken