Jarett Kobek: „Factorul internet”, romanul și cultura în era digitală [Articol]

Abstract

This article represents an analysis of the novel by American writer Jarett Kobek, I Hate the Internet (2016). The multitude of themes and motives tackled by Kobek in the novel, among which the “nature” of Internet and the manner in which it is used, the myths of capitalism, the resurrection of Epicurean thought, the death of intellectualism, the pagan neo-Hellenism, the sexism and racism of permissive democracy etc., represents a “reading” of digital society and culture in the 21st century. Another problem that the novel suggests and exemplifies is the crisis of traditional diegetic paradigm and the search for “revolutionary” formulas, which adequately reflect the stylistics and contents of digital culture. The performed analysis follows the subtle changes occurred in the public mintal, at the same time with the transition from traditional culture to technological culture, as well as the impact of “Internet factor” on the triad power – morality – culture.