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Call for initial abstracts for Book Chapters: Virtual Reality Gaming: embodiment, presence, immersion.
by Leighton Evans 11 Apr '23

11 Apr '23

Apologies for cross-posting. Virtual Reality (VR) is not a new technology by any stretch of the imagination. Regardless of how futuristic VR might appear in popular culture, VR encompasses a rich and varied history that began to surface in the 1980s and 1990s when VPL Research produced a number of commercial devices (e.g. the DataGlove and Audiosphere). As exciting as these systems were, the technology simply could not live up to the hype (Evans, 2018). The level of 'immersion' associated with these developments was just not enough to fulfil the implicit promise of VR. Simply put, the available technology was not able to conjure an experience of being present in a digital world that felt in any way 'real' (Shields, 2005). In contrast to the failed hype of its first few decades, contemporary VR is going through a marked 'renaissance' (Evans, 2018). Modern systems, such as the Meta Quest 2, are not only far more affordable than earlier offerings, but these headsets also represent a new era of standalone VR. Arguably gaming is the most visible form of media reinterpreted by VR. The emergence of virtual reality (VR) as a medium for games poses a challenge to researchers and designers with regards to reconceptualising the relationship between system, player and game play - in essence, a reconsideration of the human-computer interface (HCI) of gaming. The challenge has deep roots; the euphoric techno-utopianism of the discourses around 1990s VR was a reflection of the implicit and explicit revolutionary nature of VR as radically immersive and intimate compared to other interfaces. However, when considering the human-computer interaction of VR and games, the notion of immersion as an a priori property of VR is problematic. The notion of immersion as a given creates a confusion when considering the relationship between immersion, embodiment and presence in VR, and fails to consider the intertwined relationship between these states felt by the gamer and how they are contingent on but also independent from one another. VR should, in theory, aid the sense of presence in games for the player. VR incorporates bodily movement and orientation into the game environment, arguably improving the sense of 'being there' in the game. However, it is often unclear whether the success of games in VR in creating this increased sense of presence is not a function of the use of VR as a medium for the game but instead is a function of the design and immersive qualities of the game itself. To address this, more attention is required in understanding the processes of making of and experiences of VR games and the spatial, ludic and narrative aspects of games that affect immersion, embodiment and presence in VR games. >From the early stages of development of consumer VR, games have been divided into two kinds: VR ports, which are games developed for non-VR systems and converted into VR and built-from-the-ground-up-for-VR games, games developed specifically for VR. Gaming in VR is marked by a tension between existing and emerging gaming forms. The differences between these kinds of game remain problematic in terms of immersion, embodiment and presence and the continuing development of VR ports is an issue with regards to harnessing the potential of VR for gaming. The framing of the affordances of VR in games is a key issue which demands further attention. This volume will explore these and other issues with regards to VR games. This book invites chapter proposals that grapple with the unique aspects of VR games as they relate to immersion, embodiment and presence and other issues that arise from the intersection of gaming and VR. Themes may include, but are not limited to, the following: * Immersion and immersive experience in VR Games * Embodiment and modes of embodiment in VR games * VR Interfaces for games * Hapticity in VR games * Porting games to VR * The affordances of built-from-the-ground-up-for-VR games * The subjective feeling of presence in VR games * Genre conventions in VR games * The emotional aspects of VR gaming * The role of VR gaming in establishing, maintaining and dissolving relationships * Safeguarding in VR * Representation in VR games as a contributor to immersion, embodiment and presence * 'Bad' VR games and what does not work in VR * VR game design as a contributor to immersion, embodiment and presence * Spatial practices in VR games and the feeling of VR worlds Proposals should include the contributor's/author's name, a brief biography, and an abstract of a maximum of 500 words (not counting citations.) The editors will notify authors if their abstract is accepted, at which point the authors will eventually submit a chapter between 4000-6000 words in length. Please send proposals to Leighton Evans (l.evans(a)swansea.ac.uk<mailto:l.evans@swansea.ac.uk>) and editorialmultiplay(a)gmail.com<mailto:editorialmultiplay@gmail.com> by Tuesday 1st August 2023. Dr Leighton Evans Associate Professor | Athro Cysylltiol Director, Centre of Digital Arts and Humanities | Cyfarwyddwr, Canolfan y Celfyddydau Digidol a'r Dyniaethau Department of Literature, Media & Language| Yr Adran Llenyddiaeth, Cyfryngau a Leithoedd School of Culture & Communication | Ysgol Diwylliant a Chyfathrebu Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences | Cyfadran y Dyniaethau a'r Gwyddorau Cymdeithasol Digital Technium 121 | Techniwm Digidol 121 Swansea University | Prifysgol Abertawe SA2 8PP +44792 602843 Latest book: From Microverse to Metaverse: Modelling the Future through Today's Virtual Worlds (Emerald, 2022)<https://books.emeraldinsight.com/page/detail/from-microverse-to-metaverse/?…>

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ISOC Foundation Research Program 2023
by Joly MacFie 11 Apr '23

11 Apr '23

https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programme/research-grant-programme/ The Internet Society Foundation’s Research Program supports global research collaborations that advance understanding of the Internet and its value for all. Program Objectives - Promote novel methodologies that generate solutions to Internet-related challenges - Identify and support a diverse and collaborative group of researchers and research institutions - Facilitate access to intersectional research that can be applied to decision-making in government and industry This program is intended for research that is applied and open, meaning the research seeks to answer a real-world question and should be openly published and made available to the scientific community at no cost. The Foundation supports research involving human or animal subjects when the project has been certified by a responsible body to be ethical and in compliance with local law. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator of the project to obtain these certifications. Areas of Focus Statements of interest and subsequent proposals should address topics related to one of the following thematic areas: *Greening the Internet* The Internet both affects and is affected by the environment and climate change. Having a critical awareness of this impact is key to the Internet’s resilience and ensures its sustainability for generations to come. This awareness may include an assessment of energy consumption by the Internet, or the toxins and waste generated by its use. It may consider the enabling effect the Internet has on other sectors to limit greenhouse gas emissions. It may examine the ways in which climate change and extreme weather threatens Internet infrastructure and limits connectivity. Research focusing on Greening the Internet should promote an awareness of these and other issues concerning the Internet’s environmental footprint and the sustainability measures needed for it and the planet to thrive. *The Internet Economy * New and emerging Internet-based activities have the power to disrupt our economic landscapes and lead to unpredictable economic futures. Having a firm grasp of the interactions that create the Internet Economy has the potential to reshape this uncertainty. Unpacking how the Internet transforms traditional ideas about competition, production, and consumption of goods and services could be useful in allowing for equitable and gainful participation of everyone in a rapidly digitizing global economy. Research proposals focusing on the Internet Economy should present an analysis of past or present ecosystems that yields insight into the future of the Internet and its dependent market(s). *A Trustworthy Internet* The Internet is completely trustworthy if and only if it is completely resilient, reliable, accountable, and secure in a way that consistently meets users’ expectations for information and services. The Internet is only worthy of trust when it conforms with what people expect will happen regardless of whether or not those expectations are reasonable. Further, trustworthiness is not a matter of only one layer in the network, and it is possible that some parts of the Internet are trustworthy while other parts are not. For example, while the application layer may be reliable or secure, there may be gaps in the logic or infrastructure, or there may be mistrust in the content. Research engaging the idea of A Trustworthy Internet should attempt to explain how the Internet does or does not meet user expectations and what should or shouldn’t be done about it. *Decolonizing the Internet* We acknowledge that the Internet’s development depended on industrial societies that, by their nature, used resources from lands dispossessed from Indigenous people and communities throughout the world. We acknowledge that the Internet can proliferate inequality and injustice, perhaps especially when its design is not inclusive nor its designers diverse. We acknowledge that the Internet can invalidate and make obsolete traditional forms of knowledge production and knowledge sharing and has the power to erase languages and cultures. But it also doesn’t have to. Instead the Internet can be a site of restorative, liberating, and transformational practices that bridge the past to a more just future or bring those at the margins closer to the center. Research on Decolonizing the Internet should explore these practices and other methods toward an Internet for everyone. Eligibility - Independent researchers should have a postgraduate research degree (PhD, Masters) and peer reviewed publications, patents, academic or independently published work in the relevant area. - Public research institutions should be 501c3 or equivalent and should have a mission that is aligned to that of the Foundation. (Private institutions are not eligible entities to receive funding). Additional eligibility requirements for all Foundation grants are outlined here <https://www.isocfoundation.org/resources/grantee-eligibility/>. All applicants must ensure that they meet these basic requirements. Underrepresented groups in the research world are highly encouraged to apply. Application Process In 2023, the application process was updated to include two application cycles: April and September. *For the April cycle, applications will be accepted between April 12 and May 31.* Additionally, the statement of interest was removed from the process. Applicants are now required to submit a single application through Fluxx. Applications are reviewed by staff to ensure proposals are aligned with thematic areas and eligibility requirements. If there are any questions staff will reach out to applicants through the provided contact information. Those that are in alignment will move forward to a second stage where proposals are reviewed by the Independent Program Review Committee (IPRC). The IPRC recommends which proposals should be considered for funding to the Program Officer. The Program Officer engages in the final review, negotiation, and determination of grant awards with successful partners. The whole process will take about two months*.* View application template <https://www.isocfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Application_Templ…> . Selection Criteria Researchers are encouraged to submit a full application to be reviewed by the Independent Program Review Committee. Final submissions will be selected based on the following criteria: - Is the research in line with one of the Foundation’s thematic areas? - Is the research novel? - Is the research applied? - Is the research collaborative? The IPRC meets twice a year to review proposals. The next Research cycle will open in April 2023. See more information on the IPRC <https://www.isocfoundation.org/resources/application-review-process/>. Funding The program provides for two levels of funding: - Independent researchers may apply for funding up to US$200,000. Grants will be awarded directly to individuals who are identified as the principal investigator on the project and he/she will be responsible for grant management including all reporting requirements during the life of the grant. - Organizations and institutions may apply for funding up to US$500,000. One or more awards in each of the thematic areas are anticipated subject to fiscal year funding. You can learn more about current and past Research grants on Our Projects <https://www.isocfoundation.org/about/our-projects/> page. How to apply Only applications submitted in the Foundation’s grants management system will be considered. Incomplete submissions that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be considered (see Eligibility Requirements <https://www.isocfoundation.org/resources/grantee-eligibility/>). Questions If you have questions about this program or the application process, please email foundation(a)isocfoundation.org <https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=foundation@isocfoundatio…> . -- -------------------------------------- Joly MacFie +12185659365 -------------------------------------- -

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Open call for PhD Position on fake news, conspiracy ideologies etc.
by Simon Lindgren 11 Apr '23

11 Apr '23

Hi all, We are announcing a four-year fully funded PhD position at Umeå University, Sweden. The position is affiliated with the research school ReSource, and the PhD will be working at DIGSUM's home department (<https://digsum.org>) ReSource takes as its starting point the current “crisis of information,” characterised by, among other things, the proliferation of misinformation and conspiracy ideologies, the commercialisation of the public information infrastructure, the entry of AI technologies into more and more areas, and the increasing distrust of traditionally trusted institutions. Submitted research plans should be in any of these areas. The deadline for applications is April 30th 2023. For more information on how to apply, visit <https://digsum.org/phd2> More information about resource is available at: <https://www.hb.se/en/research/doctoral-education/our-phd-programmes/library…> --- Simon Lindgren – Professor of Sociology Director of DIGSUM – Centre for Digital Social Research Umeå University digsum.org simonlindgren.com <simonlindgren(a)sciences.social>

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Deadline Reminder (April 20): CfP: Critical Perspectives on Digital Capitalism: Theories and Praxis
by Christian Fuchs 11 Apr '23

11 Apr '23

Deadline Reminder (20/4): CfP: Critical Perspectives on Digital Capitalism: Theories and Praxis Special Issue of the journal tripleC: Communication, Capitalism & Critique (http://www.triple-c.at) Edited by Thomas Allmer, Sevda Can Arslan, and Christian Fuchs (Media Systems and Media Organisation Research Group, Paderborn University) This special issue presents critical perspectives on digital capitalism. Its contributions show how we can best critically theorise digital capitalism and what forms of political praxis exist and are needed in social struggles that stand in the context of digital capitalism. The issue will feature contributions by Jodi Dean, Christian Fuchs, Michael Hardt & Antonio Negri, and Sabine Pfeiffer. Submission deadline: Thursday, April 20, 2023 Please submit abstracts of 250-600 words by e-mailing the completed submission form http://triple-c.at/f/FirstName_FamilyName_tripleC_DigitalCapitalism.docx to thomas.allmer *A/*T/* triple-c.at Accepted papers will be due for submission by September 30, 2023 (deadline) and should have a length of up to a maximum of 8,000 words. More info: https://www.triple-c.at/index.php/tripleC/announcement/view/40

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Call For Abstracts - Critical Political Economy of AI: Southern Experiences
by Preeti Raghunath 11 Apr '23

11 Apr '23

Hi everyone, I hope this finds you well. Please find attached a Call for Abstracts for an edited collection on ‘Critical Political Economy of AI: Southern Experiences’. Please share this in your networks and do consider submitting an abstract yourself. I have some initial interest from a reputed publisher for an edited volume, and look forward to pursuing it after the abstract submission deadline. *Submission Deadline*: May 7, 2023 I hope to get back on the Abstract Selection within a fortnight. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions. Kind regards, Preeti -- Preeti Raghunath, PhD Website: www.preetiraghunath.com Twitter: @preetiraghunath

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CfP Data, Platforms, and AI for Development
by Rafael Grohmann 10 Apr '23

10 Apr '23

Dear colleagues, We are delighted to invite submissions for a potential special issue proposal on "Data, Platforms, and AI for Development." This issue aims to explore how big data practices are reshaping the field of development and vice versa, by bridging critical research on critical data studies and development studies literature. We welcome original contributions with a specific focus on the Majority World, addressing the entanglements between data, platforms, machine learning, and development. We are particularly interested in papers that discuss data, platforms and infrastructures, artificial intelligence, or any combination of these topics. Key themes to be covered include: 1. Data: + Data governance and ownership + Data extraction and colonialism + Dataset production and labor + Data monopolies + Data sovereignty and justice + Data security and informational autonomy 2. Platforms and infrastructures: + Platform capitalism and governance + Platform value chains/production networks + Platform labor and geographies + Rural-urban transformations + Platform cooperatives 3. AI and cloud computing: + Regulating AI + AI, human rights, and ethics + AI, entrepreneurship, and innovation + AI and climate change + AI and decent work + Automation and labor markets + Political geographies and economies of cloud computing The full call for papers and special issue description can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/DevelopmentCfP Important dates: * Abstract submissions (250 words) deadline: Friday, 9th June 2023 * Notification of decisions: Monday, 19th June 2023 * Extended abstract submissions (up to 1,500 words) due: Tuesday, 22nd August 2023 * Virtual paper workshop: Friday, 8th September 2023 Please submit your abstracts to Mohammad Amir Anwar at [mohammad.anwar(a)ed.ac.uk] by 9th June 2023. We especially encourage early career researchers to submit their work. Accepted participants will be invited to submit an extended abstract, which will be reviewed by two other attendees to facilitate in-depth discussions and feedback during the virtual workshop. We look forward to receiving your submissions and engaging in a cross-disciplinary conversation on the phenomenon of platformed and datafied development. Best regards, Mohammad Amir Anwar, Nanna Bonde Thylstrup, Rafael Grohmann, and Julian Posada References Visible links: Hidden links: 2. https://tinyurl.com/DevelopmentCfP%C2%A0

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SSN Treasurer Vacancy - Call for Expressions of Interest
by Bryce Newell 07 Apr '23

07 Apr '23

Dear colleagues, The Surveillance Studies Network (SSN) is looking to appoint a new Treasurer to our Network and Editorial Board. The text of the call for expressions of interest is copied below. Please share with anyone you feel would be interested and/or consider applying yourself! (But note that the position is limited to persons based in the United Kingdom.) We are excited to add a new member to our board and welcome expressions of interest from academics and scholars interested in surveillance studies regardless of whether they have been involved in SSN activities or governance in the past. *** Call for expressions of interest: SSN Treasurer The Surveillance Studies Network (SSN) is looking for a Treasurer to oversee and coordinate the financial affairs of SSN. The Treasurer will also play a role on the SSN's Network and Editorial Board (NEB). The Surveillance Studies Network (SSN) is a registered charitable company dedicated to the study of surveillance in all its forms. It owns the free access journal Surveillance & Society and runs the biennial Surveillance and Society conference that brings together scholars and artists from all over the world. SSN is governed by an Executive Board of Directors and its day-to-day business, alongside the management of the journal, is completed by members of the Network and Editorial Board. The success and growth of SSN is reliant on the vitality, commitment and dedication of our members who fulfill elected (unpaid) positions on the Board. We are seeking expressions of interest from academics and scholars within the broad surveillance studies community to join our Network and Editorial Board and assume the responsibilities of Treasurer. As with all SSN NEB and Executive Board positions, this position is unpaid. We anticipate bringing a new Treasurer on board for an initial term of 24 months, with possible extension depending on mutual agreement. For more information about SSN, see our website at https://www.surveillance-studies.net/ and the website for our journal at http://surveillance-and-society.org<http://surveillance-and-society.org/>. Eligibility * UK residency. Because SSN is currently registered as a charity in the United Kingdom and our financial accounts and assets are also based predominantly in the UK, this position must be filled by someone who lives and works in the UK; * Applicants should be currently employed within the academic or research community and be involved in surveillance -studies-related research and/or teaching; * Have basic experience with accounting and financial management; * Applicants need not be current SSN members at the time of application, but the successful applicant would be expected to join SSN prior to appointment and maintain SSN membership throughout their tenure in the position. Responsibilities * Work with the SSN Executive Board and NEB to ensure financial aspects and arrangements of the organization are kept up to date and in conformance with relevant law and regulations; * Draft an annual SSN budget in consultation with the SSN Executive Board; * Communicate with and submit reports to the UK Charity Commission; * Manage and complete financial/excel sheets and work with our Accountant to ensure proper record keeping; * Manage and initiate payments to SSN prize and grant winners; * Liaising with the SSN conference organizing committee about invoices, reimbursements, and other financial matters related to SSN conferences and events. Deadline and how to apply The deadline for initial expressions of interest is 30 April 2023. We will review applications on a rolling basis after the deadline if needed and until the position is filled. Please direct any queries to Bryce Newell (SSN Co-Director) at bcnewell(a)uoregon.edu<mailto:bcnewell@uoregon.edu>. We ask that you submit your CV and a brief cover letter expressing your interest in the position and how your background gives you the experience or skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. Please submit your application materials via the following form: https://forms.gle/7czd7BxYDUju6rz46 *** Bryce C. Newell, PhD, JD Assistant Professor, School of Journalism and Communication<https://journalism.uoregon.edu/>, University of Oregon Researcher, Utrecht University School of Law<https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/utrecht-university-school-of-law> Co-Director of the Surveillance Studies Network (SSN)<https://www.surveillance-studies.net/> & Dialogue Editor of Surveillance & Society<https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/surveillance-and-society> www.bcnewell.com<http://www.bcnewell.com/> | Google Scholar<https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7kICf7kAAAAJ> | @newmedialaw<http://twitter.com/newmedialaw>

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2023 AoIR Dissertation Award Nominations
by Michelle, Association of Internet Researchers 07 Apr '23

07 Apr '23

The Association of Internet Researchers is pleased to call for submissions for the 2023 AoIR Dissertation Award. To be eligible for the AoIR Dissertation Award, a PhD dissertation in the area of internet research must have been filed in the 2022 calendar year. Nominations (self and other) must be received by 1 May 2023. All methods and disciplines are welcome. Submissions Details: - A nomination letter that explains why the dissertation is deserving of the award - How it contributes to internet research - A PDF copy of the dissertation should be emailed to dissertationaward [at] aoir.org - The graduate or their supervisor must be a member of AoIR (by 1 May 2023) - Self-nominations are permitted - Filed in 2022 (meaning fully defended, all edits complete, filed/published with a 2022 copyright) The recipient of this award will be announced mid-year 2023. In addition to winning a cash prize, the individual will be presented an award during the AGM at #AoIR2023 conference in October. The committee this year is comprised of Raquel Recuero-Universidade Federal de Pelotas (Chair), Rafael Grohmann-University of Toronto, Christian Ritter-Karlstad University, and Chikezie E. Uzuegbunam-Rhodes University South Africa. For any questions please contact Raquel Recureo dissertationaward[at] aoir.org or Tama Leaver prez[at]aoir.org.

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Online Book Talks, Living with Algorithms + Digital Unsettling
by Rafael Grohmann 06 Apr '23

06 Apr '23

Dear Colleagues, [1]DigiLabour, [2]Critical Digital Methods Institute and [3]Tierra Comun announce two online book talks at the end of April hosted by [4]DigiLabour Youtube Channel . Please spread the word! April 25, 7PM EST Book talk with Ignacio Siles (Universidad de Costa Rica) on Living with Algorithms: Agency and User Culture in Costa Rica (MIT Press). The book analyzes user dynamics in the global south across three algorithmic platforms: Netflix, Spotify, and TikTok. Drawing on a wealth of empirical evidence that privileges the user over the corporate, Siles examines the personal relationships that have formed between users and algorithms as Latin Americans have integrated these systems into the structures of everyday life, enacted them ritually, participated in public with and through them, and thwarted them. Sometimes users follow algorithms, Siles finds, and sometimes users resist them. At times, users do both. Agency lies in the navigation of the spaces in-between. By analyzing what we do with algorithms rather than what algorithms do to us, Living with Algorithms clarifies the debate over the future of datafication and whether we have a say in its development. Link: [5]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwyS2TPFB9o More details: [6]https://criticaldigitalmethods.ca/gatherings/living-with-al gorithms-book-talk/ April 28, 12PM EST Book talk with Sahana Udupa (University of Munich) and Ethiraj Gabriel Dattatreyan (New York University) on Digital Unsettling: Decoloniality and Dispossession in the Age of Social Media (NYU Press) The book is a critical exploration of digitalization that puts contemporary “decolonizing” movements into conversation with theorizations of digital communication. The authors interrogate the forms, forces, and processes that have reinforced neocolonial relations within contemporary digital environments, at a time when digital networks—and the agendas and actions they proffer—have unsettled entrenched hierarchies in unforeseen ways. Digital Unsettling examines events—the toppling of statues in the UK, the proliferation of #BLM activism globally, the rise of Hindu nationalists in North America, the trolling of academics, among others—and how they circulated online and across national boundaries. In doing so, Udupa and Dattatreyan demonstrate how the internet has become the key site for an invigorated anticolonial internationalism, but has simultaneously augmented conditions of racial hierarchy within nations, in the international order, and in the liminal spaces that shape human migration and the lives of those that are on the move. Digital Unsettling establishes a critical framework for placing digitalization within the longue durée of coloniality, while also revealing the complex ways in which the internet is entwined with persistent global calls for decolonization. Link: [7]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R17oeWkSeQ More details: [8]https://criticaldigitalmethods.ca/gatherings/digital-unsett ling-book-talk/ thanks! -- Dr. Rafael Grohmann Assistant Professor of Media Studies / Critical Data and Platform Studies Department of Arts, Culture and Media Faculty of Information University of Toronto [9]https://ischool.utoronto.ca/profile/rafael-grohmann/ References 1. https://digilabour.com.br/en 2. https://criticaldigitalmethods.ca/ 3. https://www.tierracomun.net/ 4. https://youtube.com/digilabour 5. https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.youtube.com… 6. https://criticaldigitalmethods.ca/gatherings/living-with-algorithms-book-ta… 7. https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.youtube.com… 8. https://criticaldigitalmethods.ca/gatherings/digital-unsettling-book-talk/ 9. https://ischool.utoronto.ca/profile/rafael-grohmann/

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Digital Feudalism Published
by Arditi, David M 06 Apr '23

06 Apr '23

Colleagues, Many of you on the listserv may be interested in my new book Digital Feudalism: Creators, Credit, Consumption and Capitalism. More information can be found here<https://centerfortheory.uta.edu/2023/04/06/dr-david-arditis-new-book-digita…> and the press release is included below. Please let me know if anyone is interested in a review copy, book talk or interview. Kind regards, David Dr. David Arditi Associate Professor of Sociology Director of the Center for Theory University of Texas at Arlington Digital Feudalism: Creators, Credit, Consumption and Capitalism Digital Feudalism<https://books.emeraldinsight.com/book/detail/digital-feudalism/?k=978180455…> explores the shifting nature of the global economy. As people and corporations deploy digital technology, the way we work, consume and pay for things has changed dramatically. This marks a new moment in capitalism. Under this new 'digital feudalism', people find precarious employment via digital platforms and buy goods and services in perpetuity through subscriptions. We're paying to continually stream cultural content online, workers are using smartphone apps in the gig economy, and - with increased consumption and lower wages - debt is rising among the masses. Center for Theory Director, Dr. David Arditi<https://www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?username=arditi> observes that the top three Netflix shows of 2021 were non-English speaking critiques of capitalism. Money Heist, Lupin, and Squid Game follow characters who have nothing left to lose in an economic system that placed the protagonists in dire circumstances. It's fitting that these shows are available through Netflix, a streaming platform driving changes in the way we consume culture. In effect, Netflix appears as a microcosm of the general shifts to the economic system. In Digital Feudalism, Arditi gives an overview of the evolution of capitalism and shines a light on our current model of unending consumption as we buy increasingly more, but own less. He argues that influencers and content creators are celebrated as savvy entrepreneurs but in reality, are making money for corporations, while the Metaverse is an attempt to turn all movements and thoughts into data that can be sold or deployed in other ways through a process of enclosure. He concludes by turning his attention to the economic impact of the pandemic which created precarity for many workers as well as highlighting a digital divide, with many employers failing to support staff during their transition to home working by funding access to the internet or the purchase of office furniture. In Arditi's fascinating exploration, he presents digital feudalism as a moment of capitalist retrenchment - a system that alienates everyone, further encloses our existence in capitalism and doubles down on exploitation About The Author: David Arditi<https://www.davidarditi.com/> is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Texas at Arlington and a recognized expert on digital technology and streaming cultures. For a review copy of Digital Feudalism or for an interview with David Arditi, please contact: Katherine Lowe, The Oxford Publicity Partnership Ltd, email: katherine.lowe(a)oppuk.co.uk<mailto:katherine.lowe@oppuk.co.uk> Endorsements: "In Digital Feudalism, Arditi draws a straight line from Netflix to the emerging Metaverse, warning us all that the only winners in a process of endless consumption and accelerated obsolescence are the big corporations who are taking more and more value from everyone else as part of an extractive economy. The book is compelling, highly readable for a range of audiences, and deeply unnerving, framed by Squid Game as a metaphor for the new digital era, with just one exception: everyone loses." - Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies, Curtin University "...Through an analysis of cases that exhibit the structures and practices associated with digital feudalism-subscription services, gig work, Amazon, influencers, the metaverse, and crowdfunding to name a few-Arditi reframes the strike-waves and the composition of movements to come with a warranted note of pessimism regarding capital's "savage" capacities for adaptation. Stitching together the best of critical social theory and cultural studies, Arditi offers readers a clear and crucial lens on our current conjuncture. The prognosis? Digital Feudalism specifies that the center no longer holds. Rather, we face a less-comfortable, rougher, and far-less reasonable, democratic unfreedom beyond which there is no clear horizon line for better or for worse." - Robert F. Carley, Associate Professor of International Affairs, Texas A&M University, College Station Contents: Chapter 1. Introduction: A Squid Game Reality Chapter 2. Buy More, Own Less: Subscriptions and Unending Consumption Chapter 3. Working on your own: Precarious labor in the gig economy Chapter 4. Debt Peonage and Primitive Accumulation Chapter 5. Amazon and Baron Bezos Chapter 6. Unboxed: Content Creators and influencers Chapter 7. Metaverse: enclosing new spaces Chapter 8. From Patron to Patreon: Crowdfunding Information Chapter 9. Conclusion: Fed-up While Locked Down

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