International Business: Surveillance Capitalism at Stockholm

This essay delves into the concept of surveillance capitalism (SC) within the context of international business, examining its evolution, impact, and implications for individuals and society. Originating at Google as a solution to a financial crisis, SC involves the commodification of personal information and the prediction of future behaviors for targeted marketing. The essay traces its spread from advertising to various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and retail, highlighting its role in creating new ecosystems and shifting focus from individual users to entire populations. It emphasizes the importance of preserving human autonomy and freedom while utilizing SC, cautioning against the potential risks of data collection and behavioral prediction. Ultimately, the essay concludes that while technologies have unique affordances, their expression is shaped by the institutional logics in which they are implemented, designed, and utilized, underscoring the need for individuals to be aware of and potentially escape SC for a better quality of life.