Consumer cultures

Digital technologies are changing the ways we shop and consume goods and services today. Contemporary consumption is faster and more convenient than ever but it is also marred by concerns over commodification, automation, data privacy, labour rights and environmental harm. In this unit you will explore contemporary consumption as a dynamic, digitally mediated system of relations, values, practices and interests, which have significant social and environmental impacts. Using concepts from critical consumer research and cultural and media studies, you will examine diverse examples of consumer media and technology, including e-commerce, retail tech, branding and influencers. You will learn about consumption as an ordinary and everyday practice that can also be a site of activism, ethics and social change. You will be guided to develop and carry out your own media research on an aspect of consumption and its impacts.