Hyperconnectivity and Its Discontents

Rogers Brubaker is Professor of Sociology and UCLA Foundation Chair at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"Bracing, stimulating, and recurrently insightful, Rogers Brubaker's exploration of ubiquitous digital connectivity is observant and often wise. He advances our understanding of technology's very mixed human implications, from distractions to deep transformations, and also the implications of how we use new technologies, knowingly and unknowingly."Craig Calhoun, Arizona State University (ASU) and London School of Economics (LSE)"In this lucid, elegant book, Rogers Brubaker demonstrates that if you read hyperconnectivity through the lens of classic social theory, you'll better understand its costs and what to do about them. So when he considers the sociality of the web and our ever-lonelier hearts, his exploration leads him to the dangers of populism and a threat to democracy. He speaks to our moment."Sherry Turkle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)"[A]n informative and engaging overview of digitally intertwined life that does not sacrifice breadth for depth."International Journal of Communication“In this incisive, panoramic book. . . . Brubaker makes a compelling case for the pervasive ways that hyperconnectivity structures social life.”Social Forces"a thoroughly detailed and informed book"European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling“Cogent and masterfully written . . . Rogers Brubaker gathers the reader around the lifted hood of hyperconnectivity to reveal the inner workings of this environment: its potential, its reality, its promise, its flaws, and its possible and probable futures.”Contemporary Sociology

• PrefaceAcknowledgementsIntroduction1. Selves2. Interactions3. Culture4. Economics5. PoliticsConclusionNotesWorks Cited