Sociologist Hartmut Rosa: "Everyone assumes they are being cheated"
In an interview, sociologist Hartmut Rosa discusses the disconnection and acceleration of modern life, highlighting how it affects meaningful relationships and societal structures.
Sociologist Hartmut Rosa, known for his critical reflections within the framework of Critical Theory, addresses the pervasive disconnection that modern individuals feel towards the world. Drawing on his significant works, including "Acceleration: A New Theory of Modernity" and "Resonance: A Sociology of World-Relation", Rosa emphasizes that the acceleration of life, fueled by modern technological advancements, has rendered substantial, resonant human connections nearly impossible. He believes that this disconnect is a fundamental cause of modern crises that society faces today.
In the interview, Rosa correlates broader societal issues, such as the inefficiency in bureaucratic processes and the introduction of video evidence within the German Bundesliga, suggesting that they stem from a common root problem: the modern individual's struggle to connect meaningfully with their surroundings and peers. He argues that both phenomena illustrate a loss of resonance in how society engages with both its institutions and social practices. This ongoing struggle reflects a broader crisis of trust and connection within the fabric of modern society.
Ultimately, Rosa warns that without addressing these core issues of acceleration and disconnection, society may continue to spiral into a crisis marked by disbelief and alienation. His views challenge readers to reconsider the implications of speed and efficiency in their own lives, suggesting a need for a re-evaluation of what it means to live a meaningful life in an increasingly rapid world, where individuals often feel that they are at risk of being deceived or let down by systems designed to serve them.