Everyday digital routines exceed mere comfort-seeking consumer culture

Evidence

Although an abundance of psychoanalytic readings of such “anxious enjoyment” is undoubtedly in store, I would like to consider here a sociological interpretation through the concept of counter-speculations. From TikTok’s slapstick humor and Instagram’s animated memes to Tinder’s “it’s a match!” moments and Co-Star’s mischievous riddles, the uncertain routines of our everyday life offer more than just consolation or distraction from (or denial of) our fears of the unknown. The avoidance of discomfort has been a hallmark of consumer culture, configured by a short-term convenience economy, but such digital routines do not bode well for carefree acquiescence. — Aris Komporozos-Athanasiou, Speculative Communities, 348

Categorization

• XREF: Directly connects to the reader’s goal of showing speculation migrated from trading floors into dating (Tinder), politics, and self-presentation (TikTok, Instagram, Co-Star).