The Generative Logic and Resolution Pathways of Consumption Alienation in the Era of Digital Capitalism: A Production-Oriented Perspective

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6239-672-2_23How to use a DOI?

Keywords

digital capitalism; alienation of consumption; symbolic consumption

Abstract

In the era of digital capitalism, consumption activities increasingly deviate from people's genuine needs, while the alienation of consumption continues to expand and manifest in a series of new forms and characteristics. Critique of consumption alienation in the era of digital capitalism must transcend superficial appearances and delve into the underlying logic of production to discern the deep-seated drivers of alienation and grasp the true direction of struggle. The root of consumption alienation under digital capitalism lies in the process of digital labor—as productive consumption—and platform capital accumulation. This paper approaches the subject from a production perspective, exploring the theoretical origins, contemporary manifestations, and generative mechanisms of consumption alienation in the era of digital capitalism. The research aims to critically examine and reflect upon the issue of consumption alienation in this era, while exploring potential pathways to transform digital consumption from an alienated, manipulated tool for capital appreciation into a subject-oriented activity that fulfills genuine, rational human needs and promotes free, comprehensive human development.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Xinyuan Zeng
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/05/12
TI  - The Generative Logic and Resolution Pathways of Consumption Alienation in the Era of Digital Capitalism: A Production-Oriented Perspective
BT  - Proceedings of the 2026 3rd International Conference on Applied Economics, Management Science and Social Development (AEMSS 2026)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 246
EP  - 253
SN  - 2352-5428
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-672-2_23
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-672-2_23
ID  - Zeng2026
ER  -