Precarity and New Media: Through the Lens of Indian Creators

Authors

  • Smith Mehta Queensland University of Technology

Keywords:

creator labor, platform economy, India, new media, creator affordances, precarity, social media

Abstract

Through critical reflection on the creator labor discussions in the new media economy and its application to the quotidian practices of Indian online content creators, I analyze the emerging industrial practices that are shaping India’s new screen ecology with direct implications to the Indian media entertainment landscape. In doing so, the article highlights the distinct understanding of Indian online creator labor to argue the several ways in which the creators perform agency while negotiating with social media platforms. I articulate 4 broad categories in which precarious creativity is dealt with, on and through social media, as they balance the structural tensions between old and new media. Findings also suggest the creator’s preference to deal with precarious creativity on social media platforms than having to struggle with creative hegemony and closed-door networks of Indian traditional media.

Author Biography

Smith Mehta, Queensland University of Technology

Smith MehtaPhD student, Queensland University of Technology, BrisbaneEmail ID: smith.mehta@hdr.qut.edu.au; smitmehta9591@gmail.comContact Phone Number: +61 470 340 583

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Published

2019-10-29

Issue

Vol. 13 (2019)

Section

Articles

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