Mundania: How and Where Technologies Are Made Ordinary

The book "Mundania: How Technology Takes Form" explores the concept of mundania and how technology changes our everyday lives. It offers new insights into our relationship with technology and appeals to readers in various fields.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2024
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Digital services, platforms, and arrangements are frequently marketed as seamless, convenient, smart, or intelligent. When introduced, devices can initially appear fascinating, awkward, or even unsettling. However, over time, they tend to blend into the background of everyday life, forming what is known as Mundania.

This book, based on original research, employs the concept of Mundania to enhance our understanding of technological change. Scholar-artist Robert Willim skillfully explores the intricate interplay between everyday life and the vast complexity of technological infrastructures. Through imaginative insights, this book appeals to readers across various fields, including science and technology studies, media studies, and the arts.

In Mundania, technology becomes an integral part of our daily routines, often unnoticed and taken for granted. We interact with digital devices and platforms effortlessly, relying on their convenience and efficiency. However, beneath the surface lies a vast network of infrastructures that support these services, ranging from data centers and communication networks to software systems and hardware components.

Willim delves into the intricate details of these technological infrastructures, highlighting their complexity and interconnectedness. He explores how they shape our experiences and interactions with technology, both positively and negatively. For instance, he discusses the impact of automation on employment and the rise of surveillance capitalism. He also examines the ethical implications of technology, such as privacy concerns and the potential for unintended consequences.

Through his multidisciplinary approach, Willim offers fresh perspectives on our relationship with technology. He challenges the notion that technology is always neutral or objective, emphasizing the role of human agency and decision-making in shaping its development and impact. He encourages readers to critically evaluate the technologies they use and to consider the broader social and cultural implications of their use.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of technological change. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between everyday life and technological infrastructures, offering insights that can be applied to a wide range of fields. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or simply curious about the role of technology in our lives, this book will provide you with valuable perspectives and ideas.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529221459