Postdigital Commons

Abstract

This article explores transformations of commoning in and for the postdigital age. Starting with definitions and challenges of digital commons, it reveals some important fallacies such as their immateriality and takes a first stab at development of the theory of postdigital commons. Today’s postdigital commons need to include human and non-human actors, data and algorithms, biology, information, and society. We need to reach beyond the fallacy of digital immateriality and accept complex entanglements between material and immaterial worlds. We need to avoid technological determinisms and instrumentalisms. Postdigital commons are not just resources; they are also processes, and much more. Theory and practice of the commons now need to include fields such as philosophy of technology, Science and Technology Studies, sociomaterialism, and many others. Importantly, postdigital commons are not a magical stick that will resolve all problems. However, they are an important step towards a reimagining of more traditional forms of commons in and for our postdigital age.