A big hat tip to the author of this book, which addresses the theme of the impact of digital transformation from a very global perspective, combining technology (including artificial intelligence), social networks, sociology, psychology, and philosophy. The book, very powerful in terms of brain stimulation, requires a consequent effort to measure all the richness and to provide the reader with keys to master a relationship with “reality”. In fact, new technologies largely exploit the human brain’s propensity to cling to preconceived ideas. They strive to fulfill ever-increasing desires fueled by virtual messages carried by multiple digital niches. The damage caused by poorly or insufficiently regulated tools is considerable, with the risk of losing critical thinking, whether in the business world or in personal life. The providers of “cyber information” – for example, AI – know very well how to exploit the mechanisms of information absorption by individuals. These mechanisms include a large part of positive or negative emotions, such as fears. Very often, consumers of biased and targeted information to generate, for example, buying behaviors, lose their ability to discern. A very significant risk is linked to the rigidification of thought polluted by fake news of all kinds, which shuts down certain parts of the brain and can lead to inappropriate decisions. Advertising and Artificial Intelligence make extensive use of the psychological levers mentioned above.
The author underlines the absolute urgency of strengthening global governance in the face of the risks of “cyber capitalist” societies. This is a very powerful book that warns of considerable economic, societal, and human risks.
Denis Molho