Futures in mobile communication research: Introduction to the special issue

Mobile communication's embedding throughout social life has generated new directions in research and theory to understand changes in how people engage with others, the physical environment, and media content. As an early home for mobile communication research, New Media & Society is well-positioned to host this special issue, including eight articles themed around Futures in Mobile Communication Research. Although diverse in research traditions, the articles come together to reflect a shared historical influence as well as coherent themes around theory, methods, and ethics to help guide these and other futures in mobile communication research.

Automated summary

The widespread use of mobile communication has brought about significant changes in how people interact with others, the physical environment, and media content. This has led to new research and theories in understanding these changes. New Media & Society, as an early player in this field, is hosting a special issue featuring eight articles on the future of mobile communication research. Despite their diverse research approaches, these articles share a common historical influence and coherent themes in theory, methods, and ethics, providing guidance for future studies in this field.