Critical breaking
Name
1003284415-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
8.87 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
a0b9fe3e22e89e134a081db6578f7207
Author(s)
Kerich, Christopher
Advisor(s)
Lisa Parks.
Date Issued
2017
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Utilizing critical and feminist science and technology studies methods, this thesis offers a new framework, called critical breaking, to allow for reflective and critical examination and analysis of instances of error, breakdown, and failure in digital systems. This framework has three key analytic goals: auditing systems, forging better relationships with systems, and discovering elements of the context in which these systems exist. This framework is further explored by the examination of three case studies of communities of breaking practice: video game speed-runners, software testers, and hacktivists. In each case, critical breaking is further developed in reflection of resonant and dissonant elements of each practice with critical breaking. In addition, artistic productions related to these case studies are also introduced as inflection points and potential alternative expressions of critical breaking analysis. The goal of this thesis is to provide a way to engage with breakdown and error and more than simply the negation of the good or as a sensationalist talking point, and instead use it as a fecund place for reflective, analytic growth.
Description
Thesis: S.M. in Comparative Media Studies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Humanities, 2017.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references.
Subjects
Comparative Media Studies.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Program in Comparative Media Studies/Writing
Terms of Use
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