Digital Humanism
Description
Information technology (IT) is changing us, our society and our world, and it influences how we perceive the world and how we think about it. This book describes the rather complex development of IT over the last 70 years, highlights the dynamics of this process, and critically reflects on both ongoing technical and related societal changes.
The book discusses fundamental developments in informatics, looks at recent "game changers" like artificial intelligence and the Web with their dynamics and their repercussions on our lives and on society, which are at the same time - like so many new technologies in the history of mankind - both positive and negative. It explains and analyzes the complex interplay of technology and humans, and it also tries to point us towards a sustainable society and a better life respecting human rights. To this end, it introduces Digital Humanism, a holistic and proactive approach that focuses on the analysis of this process and the integration of technical and social innovation.
This is a science communication book, written for a broad readership and assumes no specific prior knowledge, just an interest in the subject. It provides a framework for how to use IT reasonably, consciously, sensibly, and sustainably - in accordance with human rights and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Reviews / Votes
"This a compact summary of Digital Humanism and its relationship to AI-what AI is, what it does, its positive and negative societal impacts - written by the leading initiator of the Vienna Manifesto in 2019. It challenges us to deliberate and act on current and future digital technologies and offers a vision of the future built upon principles and humanistic values rooted in the Enlightenment. The technical challenges to attain a trustworthy AI are clearly explained while insisting on human agency and the fact that responsibility cannot be offloaded to machines. The rare combination of technological expertise with a deeply humanistic vision that a better life in a just and democratic society for all is possible, convincingly shows that Digital Humanism is the road to be pursued." (Helga Nowotny, Professor emerita, ETH Zurich, and Former ERC President, December 4, 2025)
"Digital technologies are radically transforming the world in which we live. With passion and expertise, Hannes Werthner guides the reader of this book through a journey that explains-with clear, non-technical, yet precise and deep words-the scientific and technological foundations of the digital revolution, highlighting not only its enormous potential, but also the serious threats that we need to face. The book serves as a compelling survival guide for responsible citizens of the digital world." (Carlo Ghezzi, Politecnico Milano, December 2, 2025)
"Hannes Werthner's book, Digital Humanism: On Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, arrives at a critical moment. This is an impressively comprehensive and timely exploration of how we can---and must---focus on human values in a time of rapid technological change. Werthner succeeds in clearly articulating the foundational concepts of Digital Humanism, moving beyond a simple critique to offer a structured framework for thinking about AI and digitalization. The work is extremely relevant to our current situations, providing both historical context and forward-looking, actionable perspectives. As a foundational text, it is expertly organized and will prove invaluable for students, policymakers, and professionals looking to deeply understand the ethical and societal dimensions of our digital future." (Edward A. Lee, University of Berkeley, November 27, 2025)
"The book proposes in clear and convincing fashion how Digital Humanism can help us all navigate the complex new world. This reader-friendly book can be read from cover to cover while some chapters like the one on the nature and history of informatics or the ones on Digital Humanism and the Vienna Manifesto could also provide stand-alone reading and teaching material not only for computer scientists but also for philosophers, historians, sociologists and political scientists. Professor Werthner's book also serves an inspiring "call to arms". I quote: "Our goal should not be for people to do hard work for a minimum wage while robots write poems and paint" AND "It is up to us as individuals and as society to decide which direction to go" With Digital Humanism and this book as our guide, this reviewer will add." (George Metakides, Digital Enlightenment Forum, December 4, 2025)
Werthner's Digital Humanism offers a clear, insightful account of how digitalization is shaped by political and institutional choices rather than technological inevitability. Its balanced treatment of AI and strong emphasis on informatics illuminate both current challenges and structural power asymmetries. The book ultimately argues convincingly for a value-driven, human-centered governance of digital transformation.
By Virginia Dignum
Wallenberg Chair, Professor Responsible Artificial Intelligence
Umeå University, Sweden
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Person
Hannes Werthner is a retired computer science professor at TU Wien, where he also founded the Vienna PhD School of Informatics and the Informatics Innovation Center. His research focuses on e-commerce and e-tourism, recommender systems, and network analysis. He organized the first workshop on Digital Humanism in 2019 (that adopted the Vienna Manifesto on Digital Humanism) and is a key figure behind the Digital Humanism Initiative.
Content
Introduction.- Artificial Intelligence.- Informatics.- The Web.- Platforms.- "The System is Failing".- Digital Humanism and the Vienna Manifesto.- The Digital Humanism Initiative.- It's Simple, It's Complicated.- Conclusion.
