The End of Humanity

In politics, economy, and broader society, there is talk of a coming 4th industrial revolution that will unite everything in a gigantic internet of things. Artificial intelligence is supposed to eventually replace and even far exceed humans, write their own novels, create their own art, and fight their own wars. This revolution seemingly is without any alternative, inevitable, and whoever does not embrace it will soon be forgotten. Such a view has gained popularity in recent years. Silicon Valley billionaires, tech CEOs, publishers, politicians, and even presidents claim that we are reaching a point of no return facing two scenarios: either to perish or to transcend our human nature. Either we become obsolete, or we become transhuman.

In this documentary film, we analyze the ideological viewpoint underlying the narrative of the 4th industrial revolution and its speculative assumptions about the human. As such, they are not inevitable but can be rejected, opening the way for thinking about alternative future visions and narratives. This documentary introduces expert voices from various backgrounds and disciplines and provides viewers with a more nuanced, complex, and rich perspective on the matters at hand. It makes transparent the anti-democratic, antiliberal, populist, and elitist currents underlying the transhumanistic narratives that so heavily impact our current socio-cultural imaginary. Finally, the film asks the vital question of today: How can we realistically create a better future with technology?