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The Message Is Murder: Substrates of Computational Capital

Eugene Scott

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In the age of digital media, it is easy to forget that computation is not a neutral technology. It is a tool that is shaped by and shapes the social and economic relations of our time. In The Message Is Murder, Matthew Fuller explores the hidden infrastructures of computation, examining the deep imbrication of media and computation in contemporary capitalism and culture. Fuller argues that computation—understood not only as digital code but also as a mode of thinking and acting—has become the organizing principle of our world, shaping everything from the way we communicate to the way we work and live.

This book is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the profound implications of computation for our society. Fuller provides a clear and accessible to the key concepts of computational theory and practice, and he offers a trenchant critique of the ways in which computation is used to control and exploit us. The Message Is Murder is a timely and important book that will help us to understand and resist the forces that are shaping our digital future.

The Message is Murder: Substrates of Computational Capital

by Jonathan Beller

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1130 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Computational Substrate

Fuller begins by tracing the historical development of computation, from its roots in the mechanical loom to the digital computer. He argues that computation is not simply a tool, but a new kind of substrate upon which social and economic relations are built. This substrate is made up of the physical infrastructure of the internet, the software that runs our computers, and the data that is stored and processed by these systems.

The computational substrate is not neutral. It is shaped by the values and interests of those who design and control it. This means that computation can be used to encode and enforce social and economic inequality. For example, the algorithms that power search engines and social media platforms can be biased in ways that favor certain groups over others. This can lead to discrimination in hiring, housing, and other areas of life.

The computational substrate is also a source of power. Those who control computation can control the flow of information and knowledge. This gives them the power to shape public opinion, manipulate markets, and even spy on citizens.

The Message Is Murder

Fuller argues that the message is murder because computation is used to kill off alternative ways of thinking and acting. The computational substrate is a closed system that is designed to prevent us from questioning or changing the status quo. This system is constantly bombarding us with messages that tell us what to think, what to buy, and how to behave. These messages are designed to make us docile and compliant consumers.

The message is murder because it kills our creativity, our imagination, and our freedom. It turns us into automatons who are unable to think for themselves.

Resistance

Fuller does not offer a simple solution to the problem of computational capitalism. However, he does suggest some ways that we can resist the forces that are shaping our digital future. One way is to become more aware of the ways in which computation is used to control and exploit us. Another way is to develop new forms of media and computation that are not based on the principles of capitalism.

Fuller's book is a call to arms. He urges us to wake up to the dangers of computational capitalism and to fight for a more just and equitable digital future.

The Message Is Murder is a timely and important book that will help us to understand and resist the forces that are shaping our digital future. Fuller provides a clear and accessible to the key concepts of computational theory and practice, and he offers a trenchant critique of the ways in which computation is used to control and exploit us. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the profound implications of computation for our society.

The Message is Murder: Substrates of Computational Capital

by Jonathan Beller

5 out of 5