Hailing frequencies open: Communication in Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation blended speculative science fiction and space opera in its portrayal of communication. Multiple different modes of communication used by and between characters are presented in the show, and the multilevel tapestry of communication contexts in the series is critical in its appeal to viewers. This book proposes that these patterns of communication reveal a foundational philosophy of Star Trek that informs the series as a whole while also enticing millions of viewers. These patterns serve as models for the viewer, which both causes stronger empathetic connections with characters and impels viewers to form parasocial relationships with the show, explaining their extreme devotion.