The Measured Life in the Digital Age

Optimisation by Numbers

Vera King, Benigna Gerisch, Hartmut Rosa

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9781040404140
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Sociology
• Index: Social Sciences

This book examines both the productive and counterproductive dimensions of the increasing orientation towards digital figures.

Building on findings of the transdisciplinary research project "The Measured Life", the book explores the social, cultural and psychological implications of digital optimisation. The study focuses on its effects across work and organisations, relationships in social media and bodily measurement practices such as self-tracking. Based on in-depth research, the authors analyse the connections between society and the individual, culture and psyche. The spheres investigated reveal incentives and risks embodied by digital technology that indicate shifts taking place in the culturally defined relations between social and individual pathology and normality.

With new theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches, The Measured Life in the Digital Age appeals to scholars in sociology, social theory, cultural studies and psychoanalysis, as well as anyone seeking to understand how digital optimisation influences our society, relationships and sense of self.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Series
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Notes on Contributors
• Part I Introduction
• Part II Social Relations in the Context of Digital Media
• Part III Dynamics of Parametric Optimisation: Digitalised Life-Conduct, Work and Organisation
• Part IV Digitally Measured Bodies (in the Context of Psychopathologies)
• Part V Conclusion
• Name Index
• Subject Index