Deified: Dissecting the Post-Spectacle Digital Gaze examines the internet’s role in amplifying the effects of Guy Debord’s ‘Society of the Spectacle,’ where society is manipulated by the pervasive influence of images.

The book argues that the internet’s rapid evolution has not merely intensified the spectacle but also redirected its original intent from decentralization to the creation of a new form of digital authority. Amidst the blurred lines of centralised digital realms, the spectacle’s allure, and the omnipresent forces of capitalism and consumerism, this study navigates the complex interplay between theoretical paradigms and digital technology.

Idea/Concept

This research endeavors to dissect the intricate relationship between the spectacle as envisioned by Guy Debord and the transformative influence of the Internet. By delineating the Internet and the spectacle as two initially distinct trajectories, the study meticulously charts their convergence into a singular, intertwined phenomenon.

Approach

My methodological framework is articulated through a tripartite structure:

Part A: Historical Genesis and Evolution – This segment embarks on a historical journey tracing the genesis of the spectacle from Debord’s initial proposition of a society dominated by images, through the era of mass production, the rise of television, and culminating in the digital ubiquity ushered in by the Internet. This analysis aims to underscore how the spectacle has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of society, evolving yet remaining an integral component.

Part B: The Digital Paradigm – Focusing on the Internet’s trajectory, this part delves into the origins of digital connectivity, from the inception of ARPANET to the pervasive spread of digital technology. It scrutinizes the Internet not just as a technological advancement but as a pivotal force in redefining societal structures and interactions.

Part C: The Confluence of Spectacle and Digitality – The culmination of the study, this section synthesizes insights from the preceding analyses to reveal how the digital era has not only intensified the spectacle but also altered its course.