Reading Gregg’s research on the impact of online technology on work in a time when most of us are working from home feels timely, almost too timely. I am feeling the “presence bleed” more deeply over the past two weeks, as I find myself constantly checking my work emails in the evening now that everything is moved online (2).

The following quote rings particularly true: “Consciousness of the always-present potential for engaging with work is a new form of affective labor that must be constantly regulated” (3). Since the work-from-home order was issued, I find myself drafting emails constantly in my head, partly because the pressure of using the right language and phrasing feels more significant, knowing that I’d probably never get to see the person on the receiving end of my email in person. My writing now plays an even more significant role in how I present myself.

Affect can be managed and used as for profit, and technology may intensify the regulation of affect. One explicit example of affect management was the order from the university to write an email to students to “reassure” them before outlining how online instruction would continue. I felt compelled to perform a version of “care” that eventually sounded like clichés in my email: “stay safe,” “hope you’re staying well,” etc. Flooded by other emails that are filled with such expressions, I couldn’t help but feel inflation of performative care.

I shall end my post with a meme from one my favorite meme accounts on Instagram @MiddleClassFancy:

Stay safe!