What is it about?

This chapter looks at the big social problems that Ali Smith explores in her fiction, especially those related to modern life’s distractions and digital technology. It explains how these issues are connected and how they contribute to an increasing social divide that existed even before Brexit. The chapter focuses on three related themes: online violence, misinformation and disinformation, and the widespread presence of pornography, which Smith approaches in a provocative way.

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Why is it important?

This chapter is important because it shows how Smith critically examines the challenges of living in a world overwhelmed by digital distractions and social divides. Her work highlights the dangerous effects of online violence, fake news, and the excessive spread of pornography, urging us to reflect on their impact on society. It emphasises the need for awareness and ethical engagement in a complex digital age, reinforcing her commitment to addressing urgent social and cultural issues through fiction.

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This page is a summary of: A portrayal of the age of distraction, July 2025, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.4324/9781003628880-4.
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