Digital Discontents

Grounded in research from academics in a wide range of disciplines, Hidden Harms seeks to shed light on the growing societal issue of digital addiction. From computerized office work to AI “companions” and online games for children, the book strives to define and deconstruct these new forms of obsession, compulsion, and desire.

Split into four parts, the book begins with an exploration of the terms "internet addiction" and "digital harm", pointing out how misuse can contradict, sensationalize, or oversimplify these concepts. It moves on to hidden harms of digital technology use, revealing how these harms are often intentional and a result of hidden commercialization or gamblification. Next, the book considers the impact of labor on digital addiction, connecting modern capitalist exploitation to addictive digital habits. Finally, the book provides actionable interventions to the digital addiction problem, reimagining the future of digital engagement.

Ultimately, readers will better understand digital addiction and harms, as well as how anthropological perspectives can play a critical role in future debates and legislation.