Non-things: Upheaval in the Lifeworld

The infosphere, a constantly expanding "infosphere of information and communication," is replacing the terrestrial order and the world of things with a world of non-things. Byung-Chul Hans' critique of the infosphere highlights the price we are paying for our growing preoccupation with information and communication, such as searching for more information without gaining any real knowledge, communicating constantly without participating in a community, saving masses of data without keeping track of our memories, and accumulating friends and followers without encountering other people. This can lead to a form of life that has no stability or duration and cuts us off from the freedom that is tied to acting in the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 110 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

The shift from earthly existence to a digital realm has transformed our world. The tangible world is giving way to a non-physical realm, characterized by an ever-expanding "infosphere" of information and communication. This digital transformation has led to a disconnection from the natural world, as we become increasingly engrossed in the virtual realm. Byung-Chul Hans' critique of the infosphere sheds light on the consequences of our obsession with information and communication. We seek information without truly understanding it, engage in constant communication without forming meaningful connections, store vast amounts of data without retaining memories, and accumulate friends and followers without encountering real people. This superficial engagement with the infosphere has given rise to a form of information that lacks stability and duration, as it becomes detached from the essence of things. As we immerse ourselves deeper in the infosphere, we lose touch with the magic of the natural world, which provides a stable environment for human life and fosters continuity. While the infosphere may offer new freedoms, it also introduces new forms of control, limiting our ability to act in the world.

This groundbreaking book by one of the most innovative cultural theorists of our time will appeal to a broad audience. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of the digital age and its impact on our lives, challenging us to reevaluate our relationship with technology and seek a deeper connection with the natural world.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 141 x 209 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509551705