Marxist explanations of digital forms of communication

Question 1

Althusser

Answer 1

Althusser is a Neo-Marxist who talks about the ideological state apparatus, which are areas of society
which enforce the capitalist ideology

This can be applied to digital forms communication, as Althusser
argued that the media is an example of the ISA which enforces the capitalist ideology

Question 2

Cornford & Robbins 1/2

Answer 2

Cornford and Robbins argue that globalisation has lead to the spread of the capitalist ideology

to ensure the capitalist system to express their power by and ensure profits
they do this by forcing individuals into consumer culture

Question 3

Cornford & Robbins part 2/2

Answer 3

In the past, the ruling class owned the means of production which led the products to be sold for profit

but today power and money comes from the media

they argue that the capitalist system uses many forms of communication since it’s powerful at shaping the minds of the population

Question 4

Marxists

Answer 4

Marxists argue that the internet and digital forms of communication are used by the capitalist system to
spy and surveillance users. This was evident due to the Snowden report which showed that there was a
misuse of surveillance in the UK. Private communications and digital footprints were accessed by the
state to enforce social control

Question 5

Marxists more

Answer 5

This shows how the digital communication is negative as it regulates people in the interests of the
wealthy.

Question 6

Seabrook

Answer 6

Seabrook argues globalisation has resulted in cultural imperialism, where western societies contaminate
the minds of other societies by enforcing western ideas

Question 7

Marxists

Answer 7

Marxists argue that the internet and digital forms of communication, such as Twitter and Facebook are
used to distract people from the real inequalities that capitalism is creating in society, creating a false
class consciousness.

Question 8

Marxists

Answer 8

Marxists argue that algorithms are developed by social network sites to determine what people want,
which keeps them online for as long as possible and to maximise the possibly of seeing more things, with
serves capitalist ideologies

Question 9

Marxist Eval