The Spatial Labyrinth of Capital: Spatial Critique and Reflection on Platform Capitalism

As a capitalist economic model emerging in the digital era, platform capitalism organizes production activities centered on digital platforms, reshaping the traditional economic structure and spatial order. Relying on the systematic coupling of algorithmic architecture and platform manipulation, platform capitalism anchors users’ subjective consciousness within the spatial maze meticulously constructed by capital. In the production sphere, platform capitalism converts users’ traces in digital space into commodified data flows through algorithmic technologies, thereby establishing a concealed system of digital exploitation that gives rise to unjust contradictions and conflicts in the production process. In the political sphere, digital space has evolved into a crucial arena for power contests, where diverse political forces engage in multi-dimensional games through algorithmic manipulation and behavioral discipline, forging an interest-oriented operational order of digital space that erodes the autonomy of digital space. In view of this, it is imperative to carry out corrective measures in terms of the value rationality of digital technology development, the standardized operation of power in digital space, and the public attribute of fluid digital space. This will promote the paradigm shift of digital space development toward digital justice and, under the guidance of “platform socialism”, explore transformative paths that transcend the underlying logic of platform capitalism.