Collaborative Society

Authors: Dariusz Jemielniak and Aleksandra Przegalinska

Page count: 256 pages

ISBN: 9780262537919

Publisher: The MIT Press

Publication date: February 18, 2020

Description: In “Collaborative Society,” authors Dariusz Jemielniak and Aleksandra Przegalinska explore the transformative power of networked technology and its role in shaping a new kind of social collaboration. As part of the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, this book delves into the emergence of a collaborative society driven by the innate human desire to work together, which is amplified by advancements in communication technologies.

The authors examine various aspects of this collaborative society, including the sharing economy and the corporate co-opting of the term. They discuss different models of peer production and the motivations behind individuals’ participation. The book also explores the dynamics of collaborative media production and consumption, the blurred boundaries between amateur and professional content creators, and the influence of memes. Additionally, it delves into the role of hactivism and social movements, such as Anonymous and anti-ACTA protests, in this new collaborative landscape.

“Collaborative Society” further explores collaborative knowledge creation, citizen science, and the rise of collaborative self-tracking. The authors delve into internet-mediated social relations, examining popular platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Tinder. Finally, they consider the future of collaboration in the face of challenges posed by fake news, bots, and other disruptive forces.

With its insightful analysis and thought-provoking discussions, “Collaborative Society” offers a comprehensive exploration of the potential and implications of the collaborative tendencies facilitated by networked technologies. It sheds light on the promises of equity and fairness, as well as the risks of exploitation and social injustice that accompany this new collaborative era.