Abstract
The changes that new digital environments contribute to within the field of political communication are explored in the nine chapters of this edited volume. The main focus is the ways that political actors and citizens interact and influence each other in the new digital media systems and how old research concepts can be applied within these new environments. As research is dealing with an exponential rise of available data, there are certain challenges that need to be considered within the old paradigms of research. Some of the explored within the volume are: algorithms and monetization of social media content (particularly in the spread of harmful or radicalized information), the interchangeable influence of media from different countries, and the dynamics of impact on specific individuals whilst considering their circumstances and ideologies. The volume aims to ground the arising issues and challenges within established conceptual and operational frameworks. Research focuses particularly on ‘whether social media platforms are an amplifier of pre-existing problems, or a major independent driver is much needed’ (p. 2) and considers ‘tools of virality’ (p. 2) in their ability to spread fake news and harmful content. Consequently, the volume considers challenges and a history of disinformation and misinformation to allow for updated reflections on how political concepts are, or are not, being adapted to the new media and political environment and how they impact democratic politics.