The Crisis of Narration by Byung-Chul Han review – how big tech altered the narrative

The Degeneration of Storytelling in the Digital Age

According to philosopher Byung-Chul Han, the modern world has witnessed a decline in rich and complex storytelling. In his book, Han explores how various technological advancements, from Instagram to health apps, have contributed to this crisis of narration. He argues that these platforms have transformed storytelling into individual performances, tailored to fit prevailing norms.

Han uses the term "phono sapiens" to describe this degeneration. He suggests that humans have become like Big Brother, constantly communicating, sharing, and posting on digital platforms. Power operates more effectively when individuals willingly participate in their own surveillance, and tech giants like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have capitalized on this phenomenon.

The digital screen has replaced the communal experience of storytelling, making individuals nothing more than content providers for the benefit of capital. Han criticizes the binge-watching culture promoted by streaming platforms like Netflix, which prioritize easily consumable narratives that follow pre-established patterns. This mode of perception, according to Han, has become the norm in late modernity.

The Illusion of Disclosure and Transparency

In addition to performing factitious versions of ourselves on social media, Han argues that we have also fallen into the trap of disclosing everything about ourselves for the sake of truth and transparency. He references slogans like "Secrets are lies. Sharing is caring. Privacy is theft." to illustrate this point.

Platforms like Instagram promote tutorials on how to tailor narratives to meet demand and gain influencer status, encouraging users to share glimpses of their lives that align with prevailing trends. Han suggests that this approach turns storytelling into a banal and superficial activity, lacking complexity and depth. The pressure to conform to these norms further erodes individuality and genuine human connection.

Han offers the example of GP surgeries to highlight the detrimental impact of efficiency-driven systems on storytelling. Instead of having meaningful conversations with doctors, patients are often encouraged to use apps where they must fit symptoms into tick boxes, preventing them from sharing a comprehensive and subjective account of their experiences. This reduction of narratives to simplistic forms further diminishes the quality of care.

Critique of Han's Writing Style

Although Han presents thought-provoking ideas, his writing style has drawn criticism. Some argue that he writes as though he's never been contradicted, often making sweeping statements without acknowledging counterarguments or complexities. Han's tendency to express himself through imperious maxims stifles dissent and limits the richness of narrative storytelling that he claims to champion.

While Han's book showcases his brilliance and explores the crisis of narration in the digital age, it falls short in capturing the complexity, self-doubt, and human warmth that make the best stories truly compelling. Despite its flaws, The Crisis of Narration offers valuable insights into the impact of big tech on storytelling.