Volume III Special Issue V May 2023

Name of Author : Surajkumar Chavan

Title of the paper : We are in The Digital Culture of Infinite Jest

Abstract: In the contemporary world, a culture has emerged where a normalcy of digital addiction has taken over greater societal sphere. The addiction to entertainment and to a virtual world provided by the digital structure has created a concerning situation. The author uses David Foster Wallaces novel, Infinite Jest, to reflect on the societal phenomenon where people are trying to escape the realities of life through entertainment. The paper critiques the entertainment industry, particularly the impact of targeted content creation and dependence of people on such platforms for passive consumption of content. The author compares the element of Wallaces views on entertainment prior to digital boom and how it has been portrayed in the novel, and how digitally connected world is moving towards the futuristic world created by Wallace. The article highlights the imminent need to critically ponder over the aspects of reality rather than indulging in the illusion and travesty of life.

Keywords : Postmodernism, Entertainment, Addiction, Infinite Jest, Culture

DOI :

Page Number : 84-86