Paper short abstract:

The presentation aims to indicate how, in the age of platformization of social practices, the interpellative power of algorithms, as derived from recognition theory (Honneth, Butler), is of significant importance for co-shaping human identity.

Paper long abstract:

The presentation will aim to indicate how classical recognition theory (Honneth, Taylor, Butler) allows framing the issue of how artificial intelligence shapes the identity of social media platform users. In recognition theory, self-consciousness, self-esteem, and dignity are shaped by interaction with other people (in Honneth's theory, this is specified by three modes of recognition: love, rights, and solidarity). In the era of algorithmization and platformization of social relations, the actor that either mediates interpersonal relationships or replaces the subject in interaction with a particular person is AI. Using the theory of the interpellative function of language (Butler), I will demonstrate that algorithms not only have performative power in shaping the identity of the subject but also that this shaping occurs on a basis similar to the internalization of habitus (Bourdieu), which is currently co-determined by the daily digital practices of social media platform users. Furthermore, in these practices, it is evident that AI can not only recognize us in terms of reinforcing identity but also perform misrecognition, which has a strong normative impact on both individuals and social groups (Taylor).