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21st Century Men and the Digital Amalgamation of Life

A Science and Technology Perspective on Lifelogging

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Book cover Lifelogging

Abstract

We investigate the field of lifelogging from the perspective of Science and Technology Studies and by means of three interrelated and co-dependent analytical aspects: usage of technologies, development of technologies, and technological trajectories. Apple iPhone 5s advertisements illustrate the prevalent ‘zeitgeist’ of lifelogging and act as techno-stories of ideal smartphone use. We show how lifelogging technologies become endowed with more agency and how lifelogging practices may stimulate narcissistic behaviour and meet a favourable socio-economic climate in which excessive self-modulation has become normalised. People adapt to smart devices and let discipline them. People trust in smart devices for numerous, albeit vague reasons. People are becoming increasingly entrenched in technologically mediated relations with the environment. Consequently, we argue to consider (more) social and societal factors in the construction and usage of lifelogging technologies.

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Biniok, P., Hülsmann, I. (2016). 21st Century Men and the Digital Amalgamation of Life. In: Selke, S. (eds) Lifelogging. Springer VS, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-13137-1_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-13137-1_5

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