Theory, reality, and possibilities for a digital/communicative socialist network society

Boucas, D. 2020. Theory, reality, and possibilities for a digital/communicative socialist network society. Triple C: Communication, Capitalism & Critique. 18 (1), pp. 48-66. https://doi.org/10.31269/triplec.v18i1.1140

TitleTheory, reality, and possibilities for a digital/communicative socialist network society
TypeJournal article
AuthorsBoucas, D.
Abstract

Digital capitalism is guided by the organising principles of digital automation, information processing, and communication. It rests on the consolidation of relations of exploitation of digital labour based on flexibility and generating precarity. It makes profit from user data under conditions of surveillance. What would an alternative paradigm look like? This paper aims to sketch a possible socialist society resting on digital technology but organised on a different logic, namely that of autonomous production, leisure, and social engagement. It draws on relevant theories of the Left, evaluates them against the reality of digital capitalism, and suggests structural and user practice alternatives that can pave the way towards a digital/communicative socialism. This paper engages with the works of Czech philosopher Radovan Richta (1924-1983) and Austrian-French philosopher André Gorz (1923-2007). It shows that their ideas on the scientific and technological revolution and post-industrial socialism are highly relevant for the analysis and discussion of digital/communicative socialism.

Keywordsdigital socialism, digital capitalism, Internet, digital labour, platforms, monopolies, surveillance, social production, user practice, Radovan Richta, André Gorz
JournalTriple C: Communication, Capitalism & Critique
Journal citation18 (1), pp. 48-66
ISSN1726-670X
Year2020
PublisherTripleC
Publisher's version
License
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.31269/triplec.v18i1.1140
Publication dates
Published13 Jan 2020

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