Infinite Distraction

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Infinite Distraction by Dominic Pettman, Wiley
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Dominic Pettman ISBN: 9781509502301
Publisher: Wiley Publication: January 11, 2016
Imprint: Polity Language: English
Author: Dominic Pettman
ISBN: 9781509502301
Publisher: Wiley
Publication: January 11, 2016
Imprint: Polity
Language: English

It is often argued that contemporary media homogenize our thoughts and actions, without us being fully aware of the restrictions they impose. But what if the problem is not that we are all synchronized to the same motions or moments, but rather dispersed into countless different emotional micro-experiences? What if the effect of so-called social media is to calibrate the interactive spectacle so that we never fully feel the same way as other potential allies at the same time? While one person is fuming about economic injustice or climate change denial, another is giggling at a cute cat video. And, two hours late, vice versa. The nebulous indignation which constitutes the very fuel of true social change can be redirected safely around the network, avoiding any dangerous surges of radical activity.

In this short and provocative book, Dominic Pettman examines the deliberate deployment of what he calls 'hypermodulation,' as a key strategy encoded into the contemporary media environment. His account challenges the various narratives that portray social media as a sinister space of synchronized attention, in which we are busily “clicking ourselves to death.” This critical reflection on the unprecedented power of the Internet requires us to rethink the potential for infinite distraction that our latest technologies now allow.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

It is often argued that contemporary media homogenize our thoughts and actions, without us being fully aware of the restrictions they impose. But what if the problem is not that we are all synchronized to the same motions or moments, but rather dispersed into countless different emotional micro-experiences? What if the effect of so-called social media is to calibrate the interactive spectacle so that we never fully feel the same way as other potential allies at the same time? While one person is fuming about economic injustice or climate change denial, another is giggling at a cute cat video. And, two hours late, vice versa. The nebulous indignation which constitutes the very fuel of true social change can be redirected safely around the network, avoiding any dangerous surges of radical activity.

In this short and provocative book, Dominic Pettman examines the deliberate deployment of what he calls 'hypermodulation,' as a key strategy encoded into the contemporary media environment. His account challenges the various narratives that portray social media as a sinister space of synchronized attention, in which we are busily “clicking ourselves to death.” This critical reflection on the unprecedented power of the Internet requires us to rethink the potential for infinite distraction that our latest technologies now allow.

More books from Wiley

Cover of the book Faith, Rationality and the Passions by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book PCs For Dummies by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Categorical Data Analysis by Example by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Fluid Flow for the Practicing Chemical Engineer by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Cetacean Paleobiology by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Leading Through Uncertainty by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Optimize Your Greatest Asset -- Your People by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Active Disturbance Rejection Control for Nonlinear Systems by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Thermal Energy Storage by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Minecraft Redstone For Dummies by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Smart Membranes and Sensors by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Designing Organizations by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Pediatric Nutrition Handbook by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Esthetic Soft Tissue Management of Teeth and Implants by Dominic Pettman
Cover of the book Global Warming For Dummies by Dominic Pettman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy