Indeed, much of this self-production of the neoliberal subject is pleasurable for the subject; it would not be so widespread if it wasn't. During the dot-com era, Michael Goldhaber gave a speech at a Harvard conference on digital economies in which he stated that “having attention means having recognition, identity, and meaning in the eyes of those around you. It provides sustenance to spirit, mind and body, in just about any form.” The pleasure involved in pursuing self-branding strategies comes partially from having people pay attention: being read, getting @replies, and receiving conference invites have real affective benefits.

Alice E. Marwick, Status Update, loc. 518