What is a cellphone? A tetradic odyssey : a study in media ecology : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Media Studies at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand

Abstract

This study asks the question, “What is a cellphone?” Marshall McLuhan et al. jointly devised the tetrad as a method for revealing the hidden characteristics of any human medium or artefact. This study views a cellphone through the tetrad’s distinctive four-dimensional non-dialectical approach. In the process, many intriguing, surprising and even contradictory aspects come to light.