ABSTRACT
This book examines both the productive and counterproductive dimensions of the increasing orientation towards digital figures.
Building on findings of the transdisciplinary research project "The Measured Life", the book explores the social, cultural and psychological implications of digital optimisation. The study focuses on its effects across work and organisations, relationships in social media and bodily measurement practices such as self-tracking. Based on in-depth research, the authors analyse the connections between society and the individual, culture and psyche. The spheres investigated reveal incentives and risks embodied by digital technology that indicate shifts taking place in the culturally defined relations between social and individual pathology and normality.
With new theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches, The Measured Life in the Digital Age appeals to scholars in sociology, social theory, cultural studies and psychoanalysis, as well as anyone seeking to understand how digital optimisation influences our society, relationships and sense of self.
The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 International license.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|20 pages
Introduction
chapter 1|18 pages
The Measured Life
part II|64 pages
Social Relations in the Context of Digital Media
chapter 2|20 pages
Attention: Shared, Divided, Undivided
chapter 4|14 pages
Relationship Formation in the Context of Digital Change
chapter 5|17 pages
“There Is Definitely Something Potentially Addictive About It”
part III|58 pages
Dynamics of Parametric Optimisation
chapter 7|14 pages
Digital and Parametric Optimisation in the World of Work
chapter 8|15 pages
The Significance of Numbers in Digital Living and Working Environments
chapter 9|16 pages
Social Problems Work in Local Governments
part IV|63 pages
Digitally Measured Bodies (in the Context of Psychopathologies)
chapter 10|14 pages
Self-Measurement as a Form of Optimisation and a Defensive Corset
chapter 11|20 pages
Quantifying Self-Quantification
chapter 12|16 pages
Between Vulnerable Receptivity and Avoidant Distancing
chapter 13|11 pages
Mirroring Recognition and Narcissistic Withdrawal
part V|14 pages
Conclusion
