The Aesthetics and Politics of the Online Self: A Savage Journey into the Heart of Digital Cultures

This volume explores our dissonant and exuberant existences online, investigating how to overcome the current online identity regime and destroy the planetary middle class subject. It includes stories on hacker groups, gaming platforms in occupied territories, art objects, selfies, augmented reality, Gen Z autoethnographies, love, and life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 379 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the complex and multifaceted world of our online existence, exploring the dissonant and exuberant aspects of our digital lives. As social media users, we are aware of the pervasive surveillance that surrounds us, yet we continue to engage with the online world as if it were an uncharted territory. The question arises: how can we overcome the current online identity regime and challenge the dominance of narcissism?

In this comprehensive anthology, the authors offer a range of strategies and perspectives to address these questions. The book includes captivating stories on hacker groups, gaming platforms in occupied territories, art objects, selfies, augmented reality, Gen Z autoethnographies, love, and life. The authors argue that a mere rational analysis of platform capitalism is insufficient to convince the young users of TikTok or liberate us from the grip of Zuckerbergian indentured servitude. Instead, they suggest that we need to delve deeper into the subjective realm of online aesthetics and explore new ways of understanding and navigating the digital landscape.

The book is divided into several chapters, each exploring different aspects of our online existence. The authors offer a diverse range of voices and viewpoints, drawing from various fields such as technology, politics, philosophy, and cultural studies. They challenge us to think critically about the ways in which we engage with technology and its impact on our lives. They also offer practical insights and recommendations for navigating the complexities of the online world, including strategies for protecting our privacy, building meaningful connections, and resisting the commodification of our personal data.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea of the "planetary middle class subject." The authors argue that the rise of social media and the internet has created a new class of individuals who are connected globally but are also marginalized and exploited by the dominant economic system. They suggest that we need to develop new forms of resistance and solidarity to challenge the power of corporations and the state and create a more equitable and democratic online world.

Another important theme of the book is the role of aesthetics in shaping our online experiences. The authors argue that the aesthetics of social media platforms and digital technologies have a profound impact on our sense of self, our relationships with others, and our understanding of the world. They explore the ways in which aesthetics are used to manipulate our emotions, influence our behavior, and shape our perceptions of reality. The authors also suggest that we can use aesthetics as a tool for resistance and empowerment, creating new forms of digital art and activism that challenge the dominant narratives and power structures of the online world.

Overall, this book is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of our dissonant and exuberant existences online. It offers a range of strategies and perspectives to help us navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and challenge the dominant narratives and power structures of the online world. Whether you are a social media user, an artist, a activist, or simply someone interested in the intersection of technology and society, this book will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 153 x 209 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030654993
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021