Dear AoIR community, We are excited to share that our new book, *Platforms: A Critical Introduction*, is now out with Polity! From Instagram and Uber to Alibaba and ChatGPT, platforms shape nearly every aspect of contemporary life. But what exactly are platforms, how do they work, and how did they become so powerful? The book offers an accessible and critical introduction to platforms and platformisation. It approaches platforms as companies, services, and technologies or infrastructures, and introduces key concepts including platform power, governance, and strategy. Drawing on examples from around the world, we examine how platforms shape economies, cultures, and institutions, while also offering practical approaches for analysing platforms. The book is intended for students and scholars across media and communication studies, the social sciences, and the humanities, as well as for anyone interested in understanding the growing role of platforms in society. Table of contents: 1. Introduction: Platforms in culture and society 2. Understanding platforms 3. Profit and power 4. Governance and regulation 5. Conclusion and outlook Use code HVD30 for 30% off at https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=platforms-a-critical-introd... José van Dijck writes: “Helmond and van der Vlist are gifted teachers who help students and faculty find their way in the burgeoning field of platform studies. Platforms is a timely and much-needed book to help us understand the rapidly changing online environment.” Marc Steinberg writes: “This should be the first book you read on platforms. Helmond and van der Vlist provide a masterful introduction and critical guide to understanding platforms. A must-read for students and scholars alike.” To learn more about the book: https://www.politybooks.com/blog-detail/platforms-everywhere-understanding-w... Anne Helmond is Associate Professor of Media, Data & Society at Utrecht University. Fernando van der Vlist is Assistant Professor in Critical Data & AI at the University of Amsterdam. Best wishes, Anne and Fernando