Digital Emotions and the Commodification of Affect: Toward a Critique of Vital Subsumption

This study critically reflects on the concept of "vital subsumption" by examining the complex interaction be- tween emotions, digital technologies, and the contemporary social fabric. The analysis explores the process through which these emotional experiences acquire the dual value of commodities and tools, with significant economic and social implications. This exploration is informed by the recognition that emotions, historically rooted in face-to-face interactions, are now transmitted and transformed through digital platforms. The study underscores the manner in which digitalization contributes to the redefinition of relational dynamics, thereby fostering the emergence of a novel paradigm in which emotions are not only intrinsic and private, but also an integral part of market logic and communication strategies. The study draws on a critical review of extant lit- erature, highlighting aspects related to behavioral changes induced by the adoption of digital technologies, emphasizing the need to reconsider traditional relational models. Moreover, the notion of "vital subsumption" is identified as pivotal to the interpretation of novel emotional articulations and the provision of insights for the reinterpretation of the ethical and social ramifications of this transformation. The results obtained provide a solid theoretical basis for further studies, contributing significantly to the debate on the frontiers of digitali- zation and the interaction between emotions and society.