Opting Out of Digital Media

The book "Opting Out of Digital Media" explores the reasons why people choose to engage or reject digital technologies, focusing on their intentions and the many factors that influence their decisions. It highlights the role of human agency and cultural identity in the development and use of digital technologies and provides insights into the nuanced thinking of individuals who opt out.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Opting out of digital media delves into the intricate interplay between human agency, cultural identity, and the development and utilization of digital technologies. Drawing from a wealth of academic research, news and trade reports, popular culture, and 105 in-depth interviews, this comprehensive book explores the contemporary trend of opting out. It centers its attention on the intentions and motivations behind individuals' engagement with or rejection of digital technologies.

Author Bonnie Brennen skillfully illustrates the nuanced thinking and diverse reasons why people choose to adopt certain technologies while rejecting others. Some interviewees opt out of digital technologies due to their ethical, political, environmental, religious, or cultural beliefs. Others perceive new media as superficial distractions that fail to meet their expectations, needs, or interests, while some citizens express concerns about privacy and security, leading them to reject digital technologies out of fear. Additionally, some individuals construct their cultural identities through the choices they make regarding their use of new media. In many instances, the use or nonuse of digital technologies serves as a means for individuals to assert their independence, authority, and agency over new media. At the same time, in certain cases, the choices made about new technologies also reflect individuals' class position or socioeconomic status.

Opting Out of Digital Media responds to the growing phenomenon of opting out, providing valuable insights into the developments within the unplugging movement. It serves as an essential text for readers interested in understanding the role of digital technologies in our lives and their integration into mainstream society. By examining the intentions, motivations, and consequences of opting out, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex dynamics shaping our digital landscape.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032338361