Guides of the Atlas: An Ethnography of Publicness, Transnational Cooperation and Mountain Tourism in Morocco

Digital media technologies shape or restructure social practice in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, leading to transitions and demarcations of different forms of publicness. Simon Holdermann's ethnography explores this through media practices related to mountain tourism, NGO work, and local self-government.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Digital media technologies have had a profound impact on social practice, shaping and restructuring it in various ways. In his ethnography of everyday life in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Simon Holdermann explores how these technologies have influenced the ongoing, historically situated social transformations of the region. Holdermann analyzes a variety of media practices concerning the organizational work and transnational cooperation that take place in the area, particularly at the intersection of mountain tourism, NGO work, and local self-government.

One of the key ways in which digital media technologies have shaped social practice is through the creation of new forms of publicness. These forms of publicness are characterized by the ability of individuals to connect and communicate with others across geographical boundaries, regardless of their physical location. Social media platforms, for example, have enabled people to share their experiences, ideas, and opinions with a global audience, creating a sense of community and belonging that was previously unavailable.

However, the creation of new forms of publicness has also led to some challenges. For example, the rise of social media has been associated with the spread of misinformation and hate speech, which can have negative consequences for individuals and communities. Additionally, the increasing commercialization of social media has led to concerns about privacy and data security.

Another way in which digital media technologies have shaped social practice is through the creation of new forms of social organization. Social media platforms have enabled individuals to form groups and communities based on shared interests and values, which can be used to promote social change and activism. For example, the #MeToo movement has been largely organized through social media, allowing women to share their experiences of sexual harassment and abuse and to mobilize support for their cause.

However, the creation of new forms of social organization has also led to some challenges. For example, the rise of social media has been associated with the spread of misinformation and hate speech, which can have negative consequences for individuals and communities. Additionally, the increasing commercialization of social media has led to concerns about privacy and data security.

In addition to the creation of new forms of publicness and social organization, digital media technologies have also had an impact on the way that individuals interact with each other. For example, the use of video conferencing and online communication has enabled people to work remotely and to connect with colleagues and clients from around the world. This has led to the development of new forms of work and employment, as well as to the growth of the gig economy.

However, the use of video conferencing and online communication has also led to some challenges. For example, the lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, and the potential for miscommunication and misunderstanding can be high. Additionally, the increasing use of social media has been associated with the spread of addiction and mental health issues.

To address these challenges, Holdermann suggests that we need to develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between digital media technologies and social practice. He argues that we need to recognize the positive and negative aspects of these technologies and to work towards developing policies and practices that promote the positive aspects while mitigating the negative aspects.

One of the key ways in which we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between digital media technologies and social practice is through the use of ethnography. Ethnography is a research method that involves the observation and analysis of social behavior in a particular context. By conducting ethnography in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Holdermann was able to gain a deep understanding of the ways in which digital media technologies have shaped and restructured social practice in the region.

Holdermann's ethnography revealed that digital media technologies have had a significant impact on the way that individuals interact with each other. For example, the use of video conferencing and online communication has enabled people to work remotely and to connect with colleagues and clients from around the world. This has led to the development of new forms of work and employment, as well as to the growth of the gig economy.

However, the use of video conferencing and online communication has also led to some challenges. For example, the lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, and the potential for miscommunication and misunderstanding can be high. Additionally, the increasing use of social media has been associated with the spread of addiction and mental health issues.

To address these challenges, Holdermann suggests that we need to develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between digital media technologies and social practice. He argues that we need to recognize the positive and negative aspects of these technologies and to work towards developing policies and practices that promote the positive aspects while mitigating the negative aspects.

One of the key ways in which we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between digital media technologies and social practice is through the use of policy and regulation. Policy and regulation can be used to promote the positive aspects of digital media technologies while mitigating the negative aspects. For example, policies that promote the use of video conferencing and online communication can be used to promote remote work and to connect people with colleagues and clients from around the world.

However, policies and regulation can also be used to promote the negative aspects of digital media technologies. For example, policies that promote the use of social media can be used to promote the spread of misinformation and hate speech.

In conclusion, digital media technologies have had a profound impact on social practice, shaping and restructuring it in various ways. In his ethnography of everyday life in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Simon Holdermann explores how these technologies have influenced the ongoing, historically situated social transformations of the region. Holdermann analyzes a variety of media practices concerning the organizational work and transnational cooperation that take place in the area, particularly at the intersection of mountain tourism, NGO work, and local self-government.

While digital media technologies have created new forms of publicness and social organization, they have also led to some challenges. To address these challenges, we need to develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between digital media technologies and social practice. We need to recognize the positive and negative aspects of these technologies and to work towards developing policies and practices that promote the positive aspects while mitigating the negative aspects. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society that benefits everyone.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 149 x 224 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837661385