The New Collective Behavior in Digital Society: Connection, Contagion, Control

In The New Collective Behavior in Digital Society: Connection, Contagion, Control, Raymond L.M. Lee explores the sociology of crowds in the twenty-first century, where large gatherings are only virtually present and collective behaviors are not always palpable. This book examines the power of virality that sustains networks, assemblages, and platforms to generate new collective behaviors in an era of smartphones, surveillance, and pandemics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

In his groundbreaking book, "The New Collective Behavior in Digital Society: Connection, Contagion, Control," Raymond L.M. Lee delves into the ever-evolving landscape of crowds, offering a fresh perspective on the sociology of these dynamic social phenomena. While the era of crowds that Le Bon famously explored over a century ago bore witness to the social and political crises of his time, the twenty-first century presents us with a wholly novel scenario. In this digital age, crowds emerge not only in physical spaces but also seamlessly transition into online realms, forming vast networks and swarms that defy traditional understanding.

Lee courageously confronts the notion of large gatherings that exist solely in the virtual realm, delving into the intricate tapestry of collective behaviors that may not always be readily apparent or visceral. This is a time of digital dominance, where the collective is reduced to mere ones and zeros, making it increasingly vulnerable to the social and political interventions of our era.

In this thought-provoking book, Lee aims to unravel and analyze these interventions, with a particular focus on the power of virality that propels networks, assemblages, and platforms to generate new collective behaviors in a world where smartphones, surveillance, and pandemics have emerged as unforeseen forces. Through meticulous research and analysis, Lee sheds light on the complex interplay between technology, society, and the collective, providing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics that shape our modern world.

"The New Collective Behavior in Digital Society" is a seminal work that challenges our preconceptions and expands our horizons, offering a timely and insightful exploration of the evolving nature of crowds in the digital age. It is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of social behavior in the digital era.

Weight: 431g
Dimension: 238 x 159 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666935721