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ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Surveillance, Simulation, and the Fragmented Self: A Postmodern Critique of Digital Identity in Dave Eggers' The Every

Authors: Farhan, Raed Nafea;

Surveillance, Simulation, and the Fragmented Self: A Postmodern Critique of Digital Identity in Dave Eggers' The Every

Abstract

This paper explores the ways in which the surveillance, simulation, and fragmentation of identity mechanisms in the modern world through digital media are criticized by Dave Eggers in his novel The Every. The current paper discusses the increasing necessity to explore psychological and sociopolitical issues related to the existence in an algorithmic governance context. Incorporating both literature and surveillance capitalism, this study aims to explore how fiction can serve as a diagnostic medium for examining the human condition in data-driven environments. The study employs a qualitative analysis of the literature. It applies an integrated theoretical approach, comprising concepts such as panopticism simulation, as explored by Michel Foucault and Jean Baudrillard, respectively, and the theory of postmodern identity. The analysis exposes three key findings: (1) the normalisation and internalisation of digital surveillance via participatory platforms, (2) the dominance of algorithmic simulation over authentic experience, and (3) the formation of fragmented, performing digital identities. These findings underscore the novel's critical exploration of power, subjectivity, and reality in the post-digital era. The paper comes to the conclusion that The Every is a literary review and a hypothetical presentation of surveillance capitalism. It contributes a unique interdisciplinary model for analyzing digital fiction, highlighting the value of literary texts in examining the psychological and political implications of platform life.

Keywords

Digital Surveillance; Simulation Theory; Postmodern Identity; Dave Eggers; Surveillance Capitalism

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average