Sunset Session: Society Of The Spectacle by Guy Debord

The Society of the Spectacle: Guy Debord and the Age of Illusion

In 1967, French theorist Guy Debord published The Society of the Spectacle, a radical critique of modern life. Debord argued that in advanced capitalism, lived experience is increasingly replaced by images, appearances, and consumption. Reality itself becomes mediated through spectacle — advertising, media, celebrity, politics, and now social media — leaving us alienated from authentic life.

But more than 50 years on, are we living fully inside the spectacle? From Instagram culture to 24/7 news cycles to the commodification of everything, Debord’s insights feel more relevant than ever.

This discussion will explore the core ideas of Debord’s work, their impact on critical theory and activism, and what they reveal about the world we live in today. How do images and narratives shape our perception of reality? Is escape from the spectacle possible? And what would authentic freedom look like?