Debugging the Digital Self

Abstract

The goal of this project is to make sense of what our increasingly digital world means for what and who we are, and the epistemic and moral implications thereof. In doing so, I present a theory of “digital self-making practices” and the “Digital Self,” a selfhood that has unique characteristics, that are made possible only because it is coded by and in turn codes the “Digital Lifeworld” (Part 1). This new kind of selfhood poses a number of risks, which I characterize as “bugs,” plaguing our digital existence. Ultimately, there is something worth “debugging” about the Digital Self, and getting clarity on the nature, scope and strength of these risks is vital for beginning that process (Part 2). Finally, I present an overview and evaluation of some existing “fixes,” before suggesting some of my own that I will claim, together, stand a chance of allowing the Digital Self to realize its radical and emancipatory potential (Part 3).