In Scorched Earth: Beyond the Digital Age to a Post-Capitalist World (2022), Jonathan Crary presents a critical examination of the intertwined relationship between digital technology and global capitalism. He argues that the pervasive influence of the “internet complex” - a term he uses to describe the vast array of digital platforms, infrastructures, and institutions - has led to the erosion of public spaces, community bonds, and authentic human interactions. This digital dominance, according to Crary, serves the interests of transnational corporations, perpetuating mass impoverishment, environmental degradation, and social fragmentation. He contends that for a sustainable and equitable future, society must decouple from these digital systems and envision alternative modes of existence that prioritize ecological balance and human well-being over technological and capitalist imperatives.
