Subjectivity 2.0: digital technologies, participatory media and communicative capitalism

Giraud, Eva

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.

Citation

Giraud, E. (2015). Subjectivity 2.0: digital technologies, participatory media and communicative capitalism. Subjectivity, 8, 124-146. https://doi.org/10.1057/sub.2015.5

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 1, 2015
• Online Publication Date: May 28, 2015
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: May 26, 2023
• Journal: Subjectivity
• Print ISSN: 1755-6341
• Electronic ISSN: 1755-635X
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Pages: 124-146
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/sub.2015.5
• Keywords: digital media; social media; pervasive drama; communicative capitalism; drive; digital subjectivity
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/404532
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/sub.2015.5