The paper deals with the concept of communicative capitalism as a theoretical framework for analyzing contradictions of digital society. We consider an attention-keeping as a basis for Internet users exploitation and, consequently, for an accumulation of a new type of capital, which is called communicative. In virtual space, inequality in the distribution of communicative capital constitutes a new hierarchy of "exploiters" and "exploited". The first ones are creators of digital spectacle using their recourses to compete for mass attention. The second ones are spectators involved in "presuming" of circulating data flow; in other words, they are communicative laborers. We highlight a new dimension of power applying in computer-mediated networks. Also, we identify new instrumental and discursive practices communicative capitalists use for attracting Internet users' attention, retaining it, and making the process of its monetization routinized and predictable. Such capitalists can furtherly reinvest received money to dominate both economically and politically.

Translated title of the contributionКоммуникативный капитал и коммуникативная эксплуатация в цифровом обществе
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2018 IEEE Communication Strategies in Digital Society Workshop, ComSDS 2018
EditorsS. Shaposhnikov, L. Sharakhina
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages22-26
Number of pages5
Volume2018-January
ISBN (Electronic)9781538655320
DOIs
StatePublished - 4 May 2018
Event2018 IEEE Communication Strategies in Digital Society Workshop, ComSDS 2018 - Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
Duration: 11 Apr 201811 Apr 2018

Conference

Conference2018 IEEE Communication Strategies in Digital Society Workshop, ComSDS 2018
Abbreviated title(ComSDS)
Country/TerritoryRussian Federation
CitySt. Petersburg
Period11/04/1811/04/18

    Scopus subject areas

  • Marketing
  • Strategy and Management
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Information Systems and Management
  • Social Psychology
  • Education
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Communication

    Research areas

  • communicative capitalism, communicative exploitation, digital society

ID: 35910918