Mindshaping and narrative devices

Osler, Lucy 2025. Mindshaping and narrative devices. Zawidzki, Tad and Tison, Remi, eds. The Routledge Handbook of Mindshaping, Routledge, (10.4324/9781032639239-42) Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This chapter explores how digital technologies shape and propagate the kinds of narratives that we ascribe to ourselves and others and act in accordance with. Drawing on Richard Heersmink’s work on distributed narratives, I argue that digital technologies not only support and scaffold narratives but work as powerful mindshaping narrative devices. I explore the role of self-tracking devices and algorithmic profiling in shaping the narratives we adopt and are available to us, as well as changing the behaviours that align with those narratives. I close by outlining potential harms that arise from the use of such narrative devices, including the seductive power of digital narratives, the propagation of oppressive narratives and ideologies, risks of homogenisation, and concerns about the kind of co-operative action digital devices aim to support.

Item Type:	Book Section
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > English, Communication and Philosophy
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Publisher:	Routledge
ISBN:	9781032639239
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	18 October 2024
Last Modified:	28 May 2025 14:56
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/172869

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