Conformity and Individuality in Digital Life

Abstract

The article places the present AI turn in the perspective of the ethical discussion of technology in the twentieth century. The transformation of society by AI technologies is considered in light of the humanistic ideals of the education of the self in democratic contexts that teach the experimentation of ideas and ways of life, and the maturation of an interest in and concern for others. AI offers extraordinary opportunities to promote the growth of research and intervention for the good of humanity. However, its current proliferation in all spheres, and especially in everyday life, shows its tendency to promote conformity and passivity, which is inimical to humanistic and democratic ideals.