Becoming Human Amid Diversions: Playful, Stupid, Cute and Funny Evolution.

This book explores the role of distractions in digital culture, arguing that they are essential for evolutionary development. It suggests that seemingly insignificant distractions like video games, browsing, and cute animal imagery are keyed into fundamental aspects of evolution. The perspective shifts from distractions as unwanted to considering their function in the process of evolutionary development, drawing from media theory, biology, philosophy, and systems theory.

Format: Hardback
Length: 289 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the profound and pervasive aspects of digital culture, contending that what may initially appear as mere distractions of digital technology, such as video games, mindless browsing, cute animal imagery, political memes, and trolling, hold profound connections to fundamental aspects of evolution. These elements, often perceived as mere distractions in an economy of attention, warrant exploration from the perspective of understanding their allure. Diversions, rather than mere shifts in attention, represent a directional shift in any system, offering a theoretical framework to investigate distractions as not merely byproducts of contemporary media and human attention. The perspective shifts from perceiving distractions as unwanted and inconsequential to considering their essential role in the process of evolutionary development.

Drawing from a rich tapestry of media theory and incorporating insights from diverse interdisciplinary fields such as biology, philosophy, and systems theory, this book provocatively theorizes the significance of diversions—the playful, foolish, cute, and funny—in the evolution of a wide array of organisms. It challenges the conventional notion that these seemingly trivial pursuits hold no relevance in the grand scheme of life's evolution. Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, the book unravels the intricate mechanisms through which these diversions have shaped the genetic and behavioral landscapes of various species.

One of the key insights of the book is that diversions serve as a means of adaptation, allowing organisms to navigate the ever-changing environment of digital culture. By engaging in these activities, individuals and species develop new skills, strategies, and abilities that enhance their survival and reproductive success. For example, video games have been shown to improve cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, memory, and attention, which can be valuable in both natural and artificial environments. Similarly, mindless browsing and social media consumption have facilitated the spread of information, ideas, and cultural practices, contributing to the evolution of human societies.

Furthermore, the book argues that diversions play a crucial role in promoting creativity and innovation. By engaging in playful and imaginative activities, individuals and species are able to explore new possibilities, generate novel ideas, and break free from the constraints of traditional thinking. This creative process can lead to the development of new technologies, artistic expressions, and cultural practices that drive societal progress and adaptation.

However, it is important to note that the impact of diversions on evolution is not without its challenges. Excessive engagement in digital distractions can lead to sedentary lifestyles, poor physical health, and social isolation. This can have negative consequences for individual well-being and the long-term survival of species. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between the benefits of diversions and the risks associated with their overindulgence.

In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking perspective on the role of diversions in the evolution of digital culture. By challenging the notion of distractions as mere trivialities, it reveals the profound connections between these activities and the processes of genetic and behavioral change. Through interdisciplinary research and thoughtful analysis, it provides valuable insights into the mechanisms through which diversions have shaped the evolution of organisms and the potential for their continued influence in the future. As we navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is essential to recognize the significance of diversions and their potential to drive positive change and adaptation.

Weight: 519g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031138768
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022