The Internet of Animals

The Internet of Animals by Deborah Lupton explores a fascinating aspect of our digital world: the presence of animals in our online spaces. From companion animals and wildlife to feral animals and livestock, creatures of all sorts now inhabit our digital realms.

In this engaging book, Lupton investigates how digital technologies and datafication are transforming our relationships with animals. Playfully borrowing from the concept of 'The Internet of Things', she examines the complex emotions that develop between humans and animals through digital interactions — from the use of social media to the employment of animal-like robots as companions and carers.

The book draws from diverse perspectives, including sociology, cultural geography, environmental humanities, critical animal studies, and internet studies, to analyse how these new digital technologies are shaping significant transformations in human-animal relationships at both micropolitical and macropolitical levels. Lupton reveals that while digital devices and media have the potential to deepen our connection to other creatures, they also risk objectifying animals as mere tools for human entertainment, therapy, or economic gain.

This original and insightful work will captivate scholars and students across the social sciences and humanities.