China Social Science Review

No.3, 2023

 

Digital Self in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

(Abstract)

 

Wang Mingyu

 

Currently, a new wave of technological revolution represented by mobile internet, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data is driving humanity into the era of AI. Digital self is the self-image constructed and displayed by individuals under the influence of application and interaction of digital technology, demonstrating the ability to motivate action. The image features of the digital self follow the theoretical tradition of sociology and present new theoretical characteristics in social changes, manifested as the fusion of virtual and real self, quantitative self, and polarized self. The digital self has the ability to motivate action, and its social foundation stems from the reorganization of time and space, the resetting of social strata, and emotional resonance. Confronted with the potential problems of digital self, sociologists can develop a healthy digital self by placing emphasis on the relevant academic study and policy research.