Abstract
The year 2024 marks the publication of the ninth volume of Communication and the Public (CAP), ushering in our 10th year. As we reflect on this journey, 2024 has been a year of growth and achievement for CAP. We are delighted to share our key milestones (see Appendix 1):
Scholarly Impact: CAP has continued its upward trajectory, achieving a CiteScore of 3.2 in SCOPUS and maintaining a Q2 Communication Journal ranking. We have also earned a Journal Impact Factor (JIF) of 1.2 in Web of Science, positioning the journal as a Q2 ESCI Communication Journal. In addition, CAP has been recognized in the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ SCI Journal listings and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).
Submissions: In 2024, the number of original submissions reached a record high of 251, reflecting a remarkable growth of 53.9% compared to 2023.
Global Engagement: We engaged authors from 56 countries and regions in 2024, marking a 33.3% increase from the previous year.
Open Access: CAP remains committed to Open Access publishing, eliminating article processing charges to ensure broader visibility and accessibility for our authors. This initiative not only enhances the dissemination of knowledge but also fosters a more inclusive and resilient academic community.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our authors, reviewers, advisory board, editorial board, and readers. Your invaluable contributions have built a vibrant intellectual community that advances our understanding of media and communication in its many dimensions.
CAP in 2024: advancing academic inquiry and dialogue
In 2024, CAP has remained steadfast in its mission to explore the evolving intersections of communication and the public through both academic inquiry and societal engagement.
CAP has continuously explored key concepts such as political trust (Daminov, 2024), platformization (Xie, 2024), and the impact of emerging technologies (Jin, 2024). We have also examined pressing issues such as COVID-19 vaccination campaigns (Demuyakor et al., 2024) and the transformative influence of internet development (Yang et al., 2024).
This year, we published two special issues: “The Platformization and Transformation of the Digital Public Sphere” and “Thirty Years of the Internet in China.” These issues reflect CAP’s commitment to analyzing the profound changes shaping the public sphere and digital landscapes. Moreover, our roundtable discussion, “Thirty Years of the Chinese Internet and Beyond,” held at the 2024 International Communication Association (ICA) annual conference, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue with the global academic community.
At the crossroad of change
The themes explored in our recent special issues—platformization, digital transformation, and the evolution of the internet—underscore an important characteristic of our era: change. We are living through a time of unprecedented shifts driven by rapid technological advancements, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). These changes are reshaping every aspect of human life, from how we communicate and consume information to how we form relationships and engage with public discourse.
In the realm of communication, AI has begun to play a pivotal role in content creation, curation, and dissemination. Algorithms increasingly influence what we see, hear, and discuss, raising critical questions about agency, ethics, and inclusivity. The boundaries between human and machine communication continue to blur, challenging traditional theories and prompting scholars to rethink foundational assumptions.
CAP’s upcoming special issue, “Theorizing AI,” invites the academic community to critically examine the transformative impact of AI. Some of the key questions we aim to address include: How does AI alter the communication process? What role do AI systems play in shaping public discourse and perceptions? How can communication scholars engage with the ethical, cultural, and social implications of AI technologies? How might AI challenge or reinforce existing power dynamics within communication ecosystems?
These questions represent a starting point for deeper academic dialogue, and we encourage innovative approaches that push the boundaries of communication research. At this crossroad of technological advancement and societal change, CAP seeks to be a platform for exploring how these transformations influence communication theory and practice.
Trust as a cornerstone in a changing world
Amid these rapid changes, trust emerges as a stabilizing force, a cornerstone for navigating uncertainty and fostering resilience. In today’s volatile environment, marked by public health emergencies, environmental crises, and political polarization, trust profoundly shapes how individuals, institutions, and communities respond to challenges. The ability to build, maintain, and restore trust has become an essential focus for communication scholars and practitioners alike.
In moments of crisis, trust is both fragile and indispensable. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, trust in public health authorities and media institutions significantly influenced vaccine acceptance and adherence to preventive measures (Huang et al., 2024; Wang et al., 2022). Conversely, a lack of trust fueled misinformation, hesitancy, and social divisions, complicating recovery efforts.
As communication researchers, it is crucial to examine not only how trust is earned and maintained but also how it can be rebuilt when fractured. This involves addressing questions such as: How do cultural and societal contexts shape trust-building processes? What strategies can institutions adopt to restore trust after failures? How can communication serve as a tool to bridge divides and foster understanding in polarized environments?
At CAP, we recognize that trust is foundational to addressing the complexities of our time. By studying trust as a fluid, context-sensitive concept, we can uncover insights that empower societies to navigate change with resilience and solidarity.
As we embark on this new year, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a Happy New Year of the Snake. May this year bring wisdom, resilience, and opportunities for transformation to your scholarly and personal endeavors. Together, let us embrace change, deepen our understanding of trust, and advance the frontiers of communication scholarship.