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The States of Dogma: Techno-Progressivism, Deepfakes, and the Erosion of Open Societies

Ganesha

In an era where technology advances at a breakneck pace, the ideologies that drive these innovations can solidify into dogmas. These states of dogma, such as techno-progressivism, appear rooted in the belief that all technological progress is inherently beneficial. However, the undercurrent of these ideologies can threaten the very foundations of open societies, where human rights and democratic principles should be paramount.


Understanding Techno-Progressivism


Techno-progressivism posits that technology fosters social progress and enhances human capacities. While this outlook encourages innovation and improvements in quality of life, it can also quash critical discourse. As this ideology becomes dogmatic, it dismisses legitimate concerns about privacy, security, and autonomy. An unchecked belief in technological salvation risks overshadowing fundamental human rights, leading to a society where dissent is not tolerated.


The Rise of Techno-Constructivism


Techno-constructivism acknowledges the shaping role of human choices in technological development. This perspective emphasizes deliberation and ethical considerations, ensuring technology serves the public good. However, as techno-constructivism gets intertwined with dogmatic thought, it may start dictating what constitutes 'appropriate' use of technology, stifling innovation and marginalizing dissenting voices.


Post-Truth and Deepfakes: Poisoning Public Debate


In the so-called post-truth era, objective facts are often overshadowed by appeals to emotion and personal belief. One of the stark manifestations of this phenomenon is the rise of deepfakes—advanced AI-generated fake videos and audios. Deepfakes can distort reality, disrupt public discourse, and undermine trust in legitimate information sources.

These fabricated artifacts create echo chambers, reinforcing pre-existing biases and generating information bubbles. As algorithms curate content to match user preferences, people increasingly encounter only information that aligns with their beliefs—exacerbating societal divides and poisoning public debate.


The Information Bubble and Algorithmic States of Exception


Algorithms, particularly those governing social media and search engines, prioritize engagement over accuracy. This algorithmic bias creates a state of exception, where the rules favor sensational, misleading, or false information. These algorithmic promulgations fracture the public sphere, where reasoned debate is replaced by polarized shouting matches.


Impacts on Open Societies


When technological progress becomes a dogma, open societies—premised on free exchange of ideas and human rights—suffer. The ideological commitment to unfettered technological advancement can lead to surveillance, data exploitation, and erosion of individual privacy. Furthermore, the spread of misinformation through deepfakes and algorithmic biases disrupts democratic processes, as electorates base decisions on distorted truths.


Protecting the fabric of an open society requires a reevaluation of our relationship with technology. Policies must balance innovation with ethical considerations, and public discourse should prioritize critical engagement with technological impacts.


Conclusion

The states of dogma in technological ideologies demand critical scrutiny. By understanding the nuanced impacts of techno-progressivism, constructivism, and post-truth technologies, society can navigate the balance between embracing innovation and preserving the core values of human rights and democracy. It is through vigilance and ethical reflection that the promise of technology can be harnessed to strengthen, rather than undermine, the foundations of an open society.


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