In this discussion, Adam C. Jones, a philosopher from East London, dives into the intriguing themes of his new book, The New Flesh. He explores the impact of communication technologies on societal change and the evolution of online communities, emphasizing the loss of individuality. Adam critiques body politics through the lens of David Cronenberg's films and examines the virality of knowledge in modern media. The conversation also delves into the intricate relationship between technology, warfare, and acts of resistance, challenging listeners to rethink their engagement with digital platforms.
The historical evolution of communication technologies is deeply intertwined with social relations, emphasizing that technology alone does not drive progress.
Virality functions as a tool for social reproduction, reflecting power dynamics and ideologies across different societal factions, including reactionary forces.
Counteracting neoliberalism requires grassroots movements emphasizing justice and solidarity, which can empower individuals to challenge oppressive systems and redefine power relations.
Deep dives
Communication Technologies and Cultural Impact
The podcast discusses the historical evolution of communication technologies and their significant impact on cultural and economic landscapes. It emphasizes that the proliferation of communication tools has been shaped by social relations, challenging the notion that technology alone drives progress. For example, the printing press played a crucial role during the Reformation, not solely due to its existence but because of the political context that fostered its use for spreading revolutionary ideas alongside religious messages. This perspective aligns with the idea that technology cannot be decoupled from the social dynamics that influence its development and application.
Understanding Virality and Social Reproduction
The concept of virality is explored as a method of communication that can reflect social structures and power dynamics. The discussion highlights how virality should not be misconstrued as mere mind-control or disease but rather as a tool for social reproduction that can be employed by various societal factions, including reactionary forces. This perspective points out that slogans and trends, such as those used in socio-political activism, act as viral entities that seek to propagate specific ideologies within social networks. By emphasizing the power of language and thought in shaping societal norms, it underscores the importance of understanding how these elements coexist in the realm of cultural exchanges.
The Illusion of Technological Progress
The podcast argues against the often romanticized notion of technological progress as a linear and positive advancement. It critiques the notion that progress in technology equates to genuine societal improvement, pointing to the fragility and ineffectiveness of many contemporary solutions. The discussion reveals that many 'innovative' technologies are underpinned by exploitative labor practices and are not necessarily effective in achieving their intended results. Consequently, the materiality of technology is examined, demonstrating that its development is inextricably linked to underlying economic and social injustices.
The Role of Digital Platforms in Labor Dynamics
The hosts delve into the nature of digital platforms as mechanisms that perpetuate economic exploitation and labor invisibility. They point out that while these platforms enable connectivity and communication, they simultaneously obscure the human labor required to sustain them, often relying on precarious workers in low-wage positions. This exploitation leads to a labor system that reinforces existing power hierarchies, raising questions about accountability and the ethics of data production. By choosing to ignore the labor dynamics behind digital platforms, society risks normalizing inequity in the digital age.
Counteracting Neoliberal Ideologies through Collective Action
The conversation turns towards the potential for counteraction against the malign influences of neoliberalism and corporate power by grassroots movements. It emphasizes that despite the oppressive frameworks imposed by modern capitalism, collective organizations and labor strikes can exert significant pressure against these systems. By focusing on justice, solidarity, and agency, societies can foster an environment that empowers individuals to challenge the status quo. This outlook inspires hope that coordinated efforts can diminish the control of exploitative systems and redefine power relations across digital and physical spaces.
Critique of Reactionary Forces and Counter-Narratives
The podcast critiques reactionary forces that utilize viral rhetoric to manipulate public perception and maintain social control. It exposes the insidious nature of these discourses, which frame progressive ideologies as threats to societal stability. The hosts highlight the importance of reframing these narratives, arguing that they can actually be seen as strategies for propagation and survival within competitive social landscapes. By recognizing the mechanisms of reactionary rhetoric, activists can develop counter-narratives that promote inclusivity and challenge existing inequalities.
In this episode Cooper and Taylor are joined by Adam Jones to discuss his new book, The New Flesh: Life and Death in the Data Economy. Adam is a philosopher from East London, UK whose work focuses on Insurrectionary Communist thought, cybernetics, and the ways in which systems of social control function today. For the past four years he has co-hosted the hit podcast Acid Horizon, with whom he wrote Anti-Oculus: A Philosophy of Escape.
Book Link download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ONCI-ns9mOj7JP7uFselEEy-CW67iOL3/view?usp=sharing
Adam's Links:
- https://happyhourathippels.wordpress.com/
- https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/
- https://x.com/SanktMaxTCI
Support us on Patreon:
- www.patreon.com/muhh
- Twitter: @unconscioushh
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