Presents a dialog between the two editors of this issue, discussing and debating why communication researchers should study the Internet, and how the topic can be conceptually constrained. (SR)

Introduces "virtual reality" (computer-enhanced environments in which the user feels present), and considers its possible implications for communication research and researchers. (SR)

Documents the fruitfulness of the agenda-setting metaphor in communication research via three features: the steady historical growth of its literature; the integration of communication research areas; and the ability to generate new research problems across a variety of communication settings. (SR)

Argues that if mass communications researchers continue to largely disregard the research potential of the Internet, their theories about communication will become less useful. Proposes a conceptualization of the Internet as a mass medium, based on revised ideas of what constitutes a mass audience and a mediating technology. (SR)

Shows that communication and social psychology research in the past 100 years have identified 2 different aspects of reality evaluation. Outlines the critical elements to form a theory of media reality effects. Extends that theory to include virtual reality, and shows how virtual reality will be an important tool for investigating these effects.…

Suggests that virtual reality might be a useful tool for managing large amounts of multimedia information. Calls this spatial phenomenon "cognitive space" and maintains that communication researchers are uniquely qualified to pursue this avenue. (SR)

Describes in broad terms the state of research in agenda setting, defines the key problems, and suggests a variety of alternative perspectives that, if given the chance, will enrich the study of this topic domain. (SR)

Discuses three developmental stages of the information society: the electrification of communication, beginning in the middle of the nineteenth century; converging technologies and awareness of information, beginning in the late middle twentieth century; and, beginning in the 1990s, the harmonization of information systems with each other.…

Advocates that communication scholars explore more deeply the work of Emile Durkheim. Explores Durkheim and communication studies, and Durkheimian contributions to communication theory, viewing every corner of social life as communicatively founded. (SR)

Proposes an approach to defining units of analysis for Internet communication research. Defines the term "Internet computer-mediated communication." Uses this definition as the basis for developing a set of definitions (media space, media class, media object, and media instance) as units of analysis. Illustrates these units with some examples. (SR)

Considers how the troubles affecting the field of communication are linked to the decline of modernism. Argues that the future of the field lies in exploring both microscopic and macroscopic social changes in a postmodern world. Proposes an agenda for this research. (SR)

Identifies five overarching values central to disciplinary disputes in communication, and how their relative importance changes depending on prevailing social, economic, and intellectual conditions. Explores discipline-level values in the 1980s, and how value structures are likely to shift in the 1990s. Proposes a value hierarchy for the future.…

Argues that, because of its heavy technological emphasis, telecommunications will tend toward instrumental, applied forms of research. Notes alternative research traditions that see telecommunications as part of the social history of communications technology. Discusses implications for the contemporary study of telecommunications. (SR)

Discusses five key assumptions of critical scholarship on development communication: development communication must liberate; women's perspective as a basis for development communication; context defines women's perspective; context is understood in dialogue; and dialog must engage many levels and types of power. (SR)

Argues that the study of media economics should stand at the core of the field of communication. Describes central concerns to be addressed, such as economic influence and effect, economic structure and conduct, and analysis of performance. (SR)