In a world increasingly reliant on technology, Adam Curtis suggests that politicians are reviving outdated behaviorist theories, which focus on observable behaviors rather than internal thoughts or feelings. According to Curtis, this resurgence is not merely theoretical but is being reinforced by modern technological advancements, particularly computers. Behaviorism, with its emphasis on measurable and predictable actions, aligns well with the digital age's fascination with data-driven decision-making.
Curtis’s comment delves deeper into the interplay between technology and political strategy. He implies that as machines become more sophisticated in analyzing human behavior through algorithms and big data, they provide politicians with powerful tools to manipulate public opinion and control societal narratives. This symbiotic relationship means that behaviorist approaches, which were once dismissed for their reductionism, find new life in a digital context where vast amounts of personal data can be collected and analyzed to influence collective behavior. In this way, the quote highlights how technological progress can both reflect and exacerbate problematic trends in governance and social control.
Adam Curtis is a renowned British filmmaker and documentary maker known for his work that explores the relationship between political power and the mass media, as well as society's reliance on technology. His documentaries often challenge conventional narratives by examining historical events through unconventional lenses, revealing complex patterns of influence and control. This quote encapsulates some of the central themes in Curtis’s body of work, particularly his critique of how modern technologies and ideologies shape human behavior and societal structures.
