Understanding the Web: Social, Political, and Economic Dimensions of the Internet, considers the Internet from a different perspective than most other texts on the subject. While most books approach the subject of the Internet from a how to standpoint, this book is unique in its examination of the Web's effect at four distinct levels. Co-editors Albarran and Goff, along with a field of experts, closely examine the impact of the Internet on the individual, the group, the state/nation, and finally the globe.

Dr. Alan B. Albarran is a Professor in the Department of Media Arts at the University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA. Dr. Albarran teaches, researches, and consults in the areas of media management and economics. Dr. Albarran holds the Ph. D. in Telecommunications from The Ohio State University and the M.A. and B.A. in Speech/Broadcasting from Marshall University.

Dr. Albarran has published many books, articles, and chapters in edited volumes. He has given lectures and workshops in 19 different countries, and has been recognized with several awards, including the 2009 Distinguished Scholar Award from the Broadcast Education Association and the 2008 Award of Honor by the Journal of Media Economics for lifetime contributions to the field.