Episode 1 - Once you see it you can't unsee it: Neoliberal social media with Dr. L. Ayu Saraswati
In this conversation with Dr. L. Ayu Saraswati, professor at the University of Hawaii and award-winning author, we discuss neoliberalism, the impact of social media on emotional well-being, and the importance of emotional contracts in creating supportive structures. We explore the concepts of docile and defiant perception, and a vigilant eco-love that emphasizes community engagement and collective well-being. The discussion culminates in the idea of feminist enchantment, which encourages individuals to reconnect with their emotions and the world around them, fostering moments of delight and care.
Takeaways
Neoliberalism emphasizes individualism, leading to disconnection.
Emotional contracts can provide a framework for mutual support.
Social media can alienate us from our true emotions.
Vigilant eco love encourages community engagement and transformation.
Feminist enchantment allows for moments of joy amidst struggle.
Understanding docile vs. defiant perception helps us challenge harmful ideologies.
The self is part of a larger ecological context.
Activism can take many forms, including local community engagement.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
07:44 Neoliberalism, social media, and the selfie self
20:11 Self-love vs. emotional contracts
26:31 Docile vs. Defiant perception
36:19 Vigilant Eco-love
42:15 Feminist enchantment and community engagement
Dr. Saraswati’s website: https://drsaraswati.com/
Keywords: neoliberalism, social media, emotional contracts, self-love, institutional support, docile perception, defiant perception, vigilant eco-love, feminist enchantment
Theme music is “Building Without Materials” by Aaron Vaurio Jackson: https://aaronvauriojackson.com/home
This conversation was recorded on August 6, 2025
*These show notes were generated with help from an AI