A Philosophy of Communication of Social Media Influencer Marketing - (Integrated Marketing Communication) by Kati E Sudnick (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book engages with scholarship surrounding philosophy of communication as a lens for understanding the effects of social media influencer marketing for consumers and integrated marketing communication professionals. Through theory-informed case studies, the author argues f...

Book Synopsis

Social media influencer marketing emerged in Web 2.0 as a new form of celebrity endorsement in which the Internet-famous create word-of-mouth marketing for brands and organizations on their personal social media pages, blurring the line between organic and sponsored content for their followers. This book explores social media influencer marketing through the lens of philosophy of communication with a praxis-centered approach. Kati E. Sudnick utilizes a multitude of theoretical touchstones--including Christopher Lasch's narcissistic culture, Marshall McLuhan's global village, Daniel Boorstin's human pseudo-event, Jacques Ellul's propaganda, and the interplay between charismatic leadership and parasocial relationships--in order to consider consequences surrounding Hannah Arendt's social condition, which appears in hyper-form within social media influencer marketing as a major integrated marketing communication tool. Sudnick applies these concepts to three major case studies surrounding Audible, BetterHelp, and Fyre Festival, drawing implications and conclusions for this integrated marketing communication tactic in an era entrenched within the banality of the social. Ultimately, the author argues for a more aware and conscientious public when it comes to engaging with influencers online. Scholars of communication, philosophy, and media studies will find this book of particular interest.

Review Quotes

"Sudnick philosophically explores social media influencing through a variety of lenses, including the communication philosophies of Ronald C. Arnett, Pat Arneson, and Hannah Arendt. Sudnick applies their perspectives to relatively new phenomena, including social media influencers, TikTok, and cancel culture. In six chapters, she reveals the "banality of the social" of disengaged audiences through case studies and practical applications. Ultimately, Sudnick calls for increased reflections on the skills and practices that combat the banal. The concluding chapter is particularly compelling: Sudnik asks integrated marketing practitioners to examine and challenge "unreflective engagement" using "responsible practices" that address powerful online parasocial relationships. Unlike Robert Hassan and Thomas Sutherland's Philosophy of Media: A Short History of Ideas and Innovations from Socrates to Social Media (2017), Sudnick presents social media as an event worthy of a unique philosophical investigation. This book is timely and provocative for its call to social media practitioners to engage in ethical behavior. Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals." --Choice Reviews

"This compelling application of philosophy of communication, media ecology, and communication ethics to social media practices in integrated marketing communication opens new avenues for understanding and engaging the dynamic landscape of our current historical moment. Through carefully chosen case studies, Sudnick works with theoretical and practical rigor to reveal insights of value for crisis communication, corporate communication, and integrated marketing communication. Both readable and rich with research, this volume is a must-read for students, scholars, and practitioners." --Janie Marie Harden Fritz, Duquesne University

"Kati E. Sudnik highlights the importance of the relationship between brand and consumer in an age of social media in this theoretically-rich analysis of the dynamics of integrated marketing communication and social media influencer marketing. A wonderful contribution to the study and practice of integrated marketing communication!" --Sarah M. DeIuliis, Duquesne University

Kati E. Sudnik highlights the importance of the relationship between brand and consumer in an age of social media in this theoretically-rich analysis of the dynamics of integrated marketing communication and social media influencer marketing. A wonderful contribution to the study and practice of integrated marketing communication!

Sudnick philosophically explores social media influencing through a variety of lenses, including the communication philosophies of Ronald C. Arnett, Pat Arneson, and Hannah Arendt. Sudnick applies their perspectives to relatively new phenomena, including social media influencers, TikTok, and cancel culture. In six chapters, she reveals the "banality of the social" of disengaged audiences through case studies and practical applications. Ultimately, Sudnick calls for increased reflections on the skills and practices that combat the banal. The concluding chapter is particularly compelling: Sudnik asks integrated marketing practitioners to examine and challenge "unreflective engagement" using "responsible practices" that address powerful online parasocial relationships. Unlike Robert Hassan and Thomas Sutherland's Philosophy of Media: A Short History of Ideas and Innovations from Socrates to Social Media (2017), Sudnick presents social media as an event worthy of a unique philosophical investigation. This book is timely and provocative for its call to social media practitioners to engage in ethical behavior. Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals.

This compelling application of philosophy of communication, media ecology, and communication ethics to social media practices in integrated marketing communication opens new avenues for understanding and engaging the dynamic landscape of our current historical moment. Through carefully chosen case studies, Sudnick works with theoretical and practical rigor to reveal insights of value for crisis communication, corporate communication, and integrated marketing communication. Both readable and rich with research, this volume is a must-read for students, scholars, and practitioners.

About the Author

Kati E. Sudnick is assistant professor of communication studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.