ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents a review of three sociological perspectives of societal evolution that frame the explorations of social change and information communication technologies (ICT) applications. It examines changes prompted by ICT applications in the patterns of social inequality in the division of labor. It also examines the role ICTs play in changing patterns of government and political activities. The book then explores the contemporary developments in the context of broader historical patterns that are rooted in the various transformations of literacy. It book explores the trend of increasing consumerism in modern societies. Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the economies of most nations have struggled to sustain ever-growing markets. The book discusses how ICTs are employed to develop new methods of increasing economic growth, particularly through online consumption. Web advertising is rapidly growing and is diminishing traditional print and television revenues.
