{"title":"Rachel O'Dwyer","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the insightful works of Rachel O'Dwyer, an influential author whose writings delve into the intricate world of digital technology and its social implications. With a keen eye for exploring the intersection of technology, economy, and culture, O'Dwyer's books provide readers with a deep understanding of the digital age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn titles such as \u003cem\u003eTokens\u003c\/em\u003e, O'Dwyer dissects the role of digital currencies and the evolving landscape of value exchange in the modern world. Her work is a valuable resource for those engaged in or curious about the fields of innovation, technology, and societal impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection falls under the \u003cstrong\u003eEducation \u0026amp; Reference\u003c\/strong\u003e category, offering readers comprehensive knowledge on the subject matter. Whether you're a scholar, student, or an enthusiast in emerging technologies, Rachel O'Dwyer's books will enrich your perspective and enhance your grasp of this dynamic sector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore Rachel O'Dwyer's thought-provoking collection today and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our digital society.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tokens-by-rachel-odwyer-9781839768347","title":"Tokens","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWherever you look, money is being replaced by tokens. These are digital assets, issued by platforms, that can be traded and offer new types of relationships, forms of ownership, as well as governance. Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Facebook's proposed Libra, and other forms of value such as airtime, special access, and data, are the new currency within an evolving economy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlatforms are now paying in tokens rather than cash. Amazon's Mechanical Turk offers gift cards, and M-Pesa trades in phone calls. But is this a liberation or a dangerous warning of the future?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat does it mean when platforms become the new banks? \u003cem\u003eTokens\u003c\/em\u003e opens up this new world and warns that we are unwittingly welcoming new forms of surveillance and discipline. O’Dwyer argues that this challenges the balance of power between the online empires and the state. In effect, the platforms determine the value and methods of exchange or allow the value of the asset to be speculated over. They are siphoning vast wealth and power with few regulations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn response, O’Dwyer argues that money's truly transformative power comes when we consider it as a 'commons', produced and held collectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47083046240492,"sku":"9781839768347","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/582503482843.jpg?v=1765279883"},{"product_id":"tokens-by-rachel-odwyer-9781839768378","title":"Tokens","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLonglisted for the Financial Times Business Book of the Year\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWherever you look, money is being replaced by tokens. Digital platforms are issuing new kinds of money-like things: phone credit, shares, gift vouchers, game tokens, customer data—the list goes on. But what does it mean when online platforms become the new banks? What new types of control and discrimination emerge when money is tied to specific apps or actions, politics or identities?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTokens\u003c\/em\u003e opens up this new and expanding world. Exploring the history of extra-monetary economies, Rachel O’Dwyer shows that private and grassroots tokens have always haunted the real economy. But as the large tech platforms issue new money-like instruments, tokens are suddenly everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmazon’s Turk workers are getting paid in gift cards. Online streamers trade in wishlists. Foreign remittances are sent via phone credit. Bitcoin, gift cards, NFTs, customer data, and game tokens are the new money in an evolving economy. It is a development challenging the balance of power between online empires and the state. Tokens may offer a flexible, even subversive route to compensation. But for the platforms themselves, they can be a means of amassing frightening new powers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn essential read for anyone concerned with digital money, inequality, and the future of the economy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47363252879596,"sku":"9781839768378","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/582813482843.jpg?v=1772919314"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/rachel-odwyer.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}