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Subjectivity 2.0: digital technologies, participatory media and communicative capitalism

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Abstract

Drawing on observations and focus group material from pervasive drama project, The Memory Dealer, this article explores both the dynamics and the limitations of existing models of digital subjectivity. It interrogates, in particular, constructions of the digital subject within critical internet studies, focusing on the work of Jodi Dean. This model of subjectivity argues that participatory digital media are a conduit through which the subject is ‘captured’ and shaped to suit the needs of capital. It is suggested here, however, that framing subjective engagements with technology as inevitably being relations of capture, is dangerous in foreclosing scope for resistance and inter-subjective political action. The article ultimately argues that there is a need to reconceptualise the digital subject away from models of capture and towards a more situated, material analysis of the affordances enabled by subjective entanglements with technology.

Acceptance Date Mar 1, 2015
Publication Date Jul 1, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Subjectivity
Print ISSN 1755-6341
Publisher Palgrave Macmillan
Pages 124-146
DOI https://doi.org/10.1057/sub.2015.5
Keywords digital media; social media; pervasive drama; communicative capitalism; drive; digital subjectivity
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/sub.2015.5

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