Themes Douglas Rushkoff

1 themes

1.1 general
1.2 technology , cyberculture
1.3 religion
1.4 currency
1.5 social media
1.6 401k plans

themes
general

douglas rushkoff’s philosophy developed techno-utopian view of new media more nuanced critique of cyberculture discourse , impact of media on society. viewing except intention media, explores themes of how make media interactive, how people (especially children) analyze , question media consume, how cultivate intention , agency. has theorized on such media religion, culture, politics, , money.

technology , cyberculture

up late-1990s, douglas rushkoff’s philosophy towards technology characterized media-deterministic. cyberculture , new media supposed promote democracy , allow people transcend ordinary.

in cyberia, rushkoff states essence of mid-1990s culture being fusion of rave psychedelia, chaos theory , computer networks. promise of resulting counter culture media change being passive active, embrace social on content, , empowers masses create , react.

this idea comes in concept of media virus, rushkoff details in 1994 publication of media virus: hidden agendas in popular culture. significant work adopts organic metaphors show media, viruses, mobile, duplicated , presented non-threatening. technologies can make our interaction media empowering experience if learn decode capabilities offered our media. unfortunately, people stay 1 step behind our media capabilities. ideally, emerging media , technologies have potential enlighten, aid grassroots movements, offer alternative traditional top-down media, connect diverse groups , promote sharing of information.

rushkoff not limit writings effect of technology on adults, , in playing future turns attention generation of people growing understand language of media natives, guarded against coercion. these screenagers , term originated rushkoff, have chance mediate changing landscape more digital immigrants.

with coercion (1999), rushkoff realistically examines potential benefits , dangers inherent in cyberculture , analyzes market strategies work make people act on instinct (and buy!) rather reflect rationally. book wants readers learn read media consume , interpret being communicated.

religion

in nothing sacred: truth judaism, rushkoff explores medium of religion , intellectually deconstructs bible , ways religion fails provide true connectivity , transformative experiences.

currency

most recently, douglas rushkoff has turned critical lens medium of currency. 1 of important concepts creates , develops notion of social currency, or degree content , media can facilitate and/or promote relationships , interactions between members of community. rushkoff mentions jokes, scandals, blogs, ambiance, i.e. engender water cooler talk, social currency.

in book, life, inc. , dissertation monopoly moneys, rushkoff takes @ physical currency , history of corporatism. beginning overview of how money has been gradually centralized throughout time, , pondering reasons , consequences of such fact, goes on demonstrate how our society has become defined , controlled corporate culture.

social media

rushkoff has long been skeptical of social media. on february 25, 2013, announced in cnn op-ed leaving facebook, citing concerns company s use of personal data.

401k plans

in 2016, douglas rushkoff penned article critical of 401k plans, in refers stock market pyramid scheme , states in 401(k) game, patsy follows advice of human resources department , surrenders portion of or paycheck retirement planning industry, under pretense of personal responsibility. rushkoff not suggest alternatives 401k plans retirement savings.