Fast-Forward Communication Theory
Review of Communication is dedicated to advancing the field of communication by examining research areas that are still emerging to advance our knowledge about a communication phenomenon.
Many popular communication theories were developed prior to, or during, the digital world overtaking every aspect of our people's lives. Healthcare is now delivered through computer portals, organizations have moved their advertising dollars to the online environment, digital education abounds in both for-profit and non-profit institutions, families (sometimes in the same house) text to stay connected, people's interactions with chatbots replace face-to-face interactions, and news stories are written more for a digital than print layout, etc.
The purpose of this special issue is to conceptualize the ways in which our longstanding communication theories need to be updated to encompass how ubiquitous digital communication has become. To qualify as an updated theory, the model or theory needs to have been proposed prior to 2011. While data may be included to support the theoretical changes being posited, they are not required for publication. Each manuscript should provide a brief description of the original theory, synthesis of major findings based on the theory, and how the central concepts/propositions could be updated to better reflect today's communication environment.
In this themed issue, we are specifically interested in theories that center communication, messages, and/or interaction. Theories that communication has borrowed from other fields (e.g., psychology, political science, sociology, management) are not eligible for inclusion in the themed issue. Theories that may be considered include, but are not limited to:
- Agenda Setting Theory
- Apologia Theory
- Communication Accommodation Theory
- Communication Theory of Identity
- Communication Privacy Management Theory
- Cultivation Theory
- Culture Theory
- Diffusion of Innovations
- Interpersonal Deception Theory
- Relational Dialectics Theory
- Spiral of Silence
- Uses and Gratifications