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Artificial Intelligence: Beyound Ocularcentrism, the New Age of Humans Beyond the Spectacle
Mustapha El Moussaoui
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This paper critiques the dominance of ocularcentrism and the 'spectacle' in contemporary society, arguing that AI-generated imagery intensifies societal alienation by blurring the lines between reality and representation. It presents an experiment in Bolzano, Italy, where public preference for visually striking AI-generated urban scenarios over realistic problem-solving scenarios highlighted the commodification of images and the reinforcement of existing power structures.
Entities (10)
Relation Signals (6)
Experiment → conductedin → Bolzano
confidence 98% · an experiment was conducted in the Don Bosco region of Bolzano, Italy...
Guy Debord → proposedconcept → The Spectacle
confidence 95% · Guy Debord’s The Society of the Spectacle (1967) presented a radical critique... positing that... the spectacle has become the central organising principle of social life.
Public → preferred → AI-generated images
confidence 92% · Public engagement with these scenarios revealed a strong preference for visually striking AI-generated images...
Artificial Intelligence → intensifies → The Spectacle
confidence 90% · AI technologies blur the boundaries between reality and artificial constructs, deepening societal alienation... intensifies the dominance of visual media in shaping public consciousness.
Midjourney V6 → usedtogenerate → Visual Scenarios
confidence 90% · Five of these scenarios were generated using AI tools, specifically Midjourney V6...
Ocularcentrism → iscritiquedby → Artificial Intelligence
confidence 85% · AI technologies... fundamentally altering this relationship between vision and knowledge... deconstruction of ocularcentrism through AI image generation.
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Abstract
Abstract:This paper explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on visual culture and its broader implications for contemporary society. The proliferation of machine learning models in generating visual content necessitates a critical reassessment of the relationship between reality and representation. AI-generated imagery not only challenges traditional conceptions of human creativity and perception but also intensifies the dominance of visual media in shaping public consciousness. By critiquing the reliance on vision as the primary mode of knowledge, this study examines how AI technologies blur the boundaries between reality and artificial constructs, deepening societal alienation. To illustrate these dynamics, the paper presents an experiment conducted in Bolzano, Italy, where six distinct visual scenarios for an urban redevelopment project were created. Public engagement with these scenarios revealed a strong preference for visually striking AI-generated images, often at the expense of addressing real-life challenges, underscoring the influence of the spectacle in shaping perceptions and decisions. The paper further investigates the role of AI in accelerating the commodification of images, perpetuating existing power structures, and raising critical questions about the human role in creating and interpreting visual media. Ultimately, this work calls for a re-evaluation of the societal implications of AI-driven visual culture, as it redefines the dynamics of observation, meaning, and agency.
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Creative Practices as Catalysts of Change Power in Transformation 35 authors ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: BEYOND OCULARCENTRISM, THE NEW AGE OF HUMANS BEYOND THE SPECTACLE Mustapha El Moussaoui 1 1 Faculty of Design and Art, Free University of Bolzano | mustapha.elmoussaoui@unibz.it Abstract This paper explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on visual culture and its broader implications for contemporary society. The proliferation of machine learning models in gen- erating visual content necessitates a critical reassessment of the relationship between reality and representation. AI-generated imagery not only challenges traditional conceptions of human crea- tivity and perception but also intensifies the dominance of visual media in shaping public conscious- ness. By critiquing the reliance on vision as the primary mode of knowledge, this study examines how AI technologies blur the boundaries between reality and artificial constructs, deepening societal al- ienation. To illustrate these dynamics, the paper presents an experiment conducted in Bolzano, Italy, where six distinct visual scenarios for an urban redevelopment project were created. Public engagement with these scenarios revealed a strong preference for visually striking AI-generated images, often at the expense of addressing real-life challenges, underscoring the influence of the “spectacle” in shap- ing perceptions and decisions. The paper further investigates the role of AI in accelerating the commodification of images, perpet- uating existing power structures, and raising critical questions about the human role in creating and interpreting visual media. Ultimately, this work calls for a re-evaluation of the societal implications of AI-driven visual culture, as it redefines the dynamics of observation, meaning, and agency. Keywords artificial intelligence (AI); ocularcentrism; the spectacle; human identity; social space transformation 36ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: BEYOND OCULARCENTRISM Introduction: The Rise of AI and the Crisis of Human Per- ception The rapid ascent of artificial intelligence (AI) into the fabric of contemporary life marks a profound shift in how humanity perceives, interacts with, and constructs reality. In an era characterised by the pro- liferation of machine learning algorithms and neural networks, particularly those responsible for generating visual content, we are compelled to reconsider the very foundations of our epistemological and ontological frameworks. This paper seeks to interrogate the implications of AI’s en- croachment on the visual domain, focus- ing on how technologies such as Diffu- sions and Generative Adversarial Net- works (GANs) are not merely tools but agents of transformation in our cultural and social landscapes. At the heart of this analysis lies the critique of ocularcentrism, the privileging of vision over other senses in the Western tradition. The Western intellectual tradition has con- sistently elevated sight as the primary con- duit to knowledge. Vision has historically been associated with objectivity, clarity, and truth, thereby establishing a hierarchi- cal relationship between the observer and the observed (Jay, 1993; Levin, 1993). However, this ocularcentric paradigm has also been complicit in the construc- tion of power dynamics, where control over visual representation becomes a means of social domination. The spectacle extends its critique into the realm of modern society, where the domi- nance of media representations shapes not only public perception but the very nature of reality itself. Here, images transform genuine social relations into abstracted, commodified forms. Individuals are dis- tanced from authentic experiences as their engagement with the world becomes me- diated through the lens of mass-produced visuals (Debord, 1967). This dynamic mir- rors the broader mechanisms of social control, where vision operates as a tool for maintaining the existing power structures. The production and dissemination of im- ages become acts of domination, serving the interests of those who hold cultural and economic power. Through the control of media and visual narratives, the ruling class subtly imposes its ideology, which the masses internalise as a natural view of the world. This process reflects the subtle workings of hegemony, where power is maintained not through overt coercion but through the normalisation of dominant perspectives, effectively shaping con- sciousness and limiting critical thought (Gramsci, 1971). Moreover, the spectacle transforms vision into a means of reinforcing these hierar- chies. Images, far from being neutral, en- code values and beliefs that sustain the so- 37Mustapha El Moussaoui cial order, masking inequality and legiti- mising the status quo. The ideological work of media goes beyond representation, func- tioning as a site where consent to power is manufactured and sustained. The continu- ous circulation of these images integrates individuals into a system where their per- ceptions align with the interests of the powerful, deepening their alienation from both themselves and others (Hall, 1980). Enter AI, a force that has begun to unravel the very fabric of these established para- digms. With the advent of GANs and tech- nologies like Stable Diffusion, we are wit- nessing a dramatic acceleration in the pro- duction and consumption of images (Leach, 2022). These AI systems can gen- erate visual content with a speed and aes- thetic sophistication previously unimagi- nable, challenging the human monopoly on creative visual production. The impli- cations of this shift are profound: If ma- chines can produce images (videos, audios, etc.)—those central elements of the spec- tacle—faster and perhaps more convinc- ingly than humans, what remains of our role in the creation and interpretation of visual culture? This paper argues that AI does not merely replicate human visual capabilities but fun- damentally reconfigures the relationship between the observer and the observed. The “hallucinations” produced by AI sys- tems introduce a novel form of spectacle, one that blurs the boundaries between real- ity and fiction, and between human and machine-generated aesthetics. This com- pels us to reevaluate traditional approaches to visual representation and critically ex- amine ocularcentric paradigms. To illustrate this argument, the paper pre- sents an experiment conducted in an ur- ban setting, recreating six different visual scenarios. Five of these scenarios were generated through AI-based “hallucina- tions,” while one was derived from a phe- nomenological study addressing real-life problems. These six scenarios were then exhibited to the public, inviting partici- pants to select their preferred future pub- lic space. The results of this experiment are analysed to highlight the advantages and limitations of AI-generated visuals and their implications for ocularcentrism. Ocularcentrism: The Dom- inance of Vision in Western Thought The primacy of vision in Western thought is not merely an incidental consequence of human biology; it is a deeply ingrained cul- tural construct that has shaped the episte- mological and ontological frameworks of Western civilisation (Levin, 1993). Ocular- centrism, the privileging of sight over other senses, has long dictated how knowledge is produced, understood, and disseminated, often at the expense of a more holistic sen- sory experience (Pallasmaa, 1996). 38ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: BEYOND OCULARCENTRISM Juhani Pallasmaa’s, The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses (1996), pro- vides a crucial lens through which to cri- tique this visual dominance. Pallasmaa ar- gues that Western culture, particularly since the Enlightenment, has been domi- nated by an “ocularcentric” bias that mar- ginalises the other senses, resulting in an impoverished experience of the world. He contends that this over-reliance on vision has led to an alienation of the body and a neglect of the full spectrum of human sen- sory experience, which is essential for a deeper, more embodied understanding of reality. In architecture, for instance, this visual bias manifests in designs that prior- itise visual impact over tactile, auditory, and olfactory experiences, thereby reduc- ing the richness of human interaction with space (El Moussaoui, 2020). This critique of ocularcentrism is not new; its roots can be traced back to the inception of Western philosophy. Plato’s allegory of the cave draws a clear distinction between those who live in the world of shadows— mere representations of reality—and those who manage to break free and see beyond these illusions. The spectacle, in this sense, traps individuals within a world of appear- ances, preventing them from accessing the truth behind these shadows. When one be- gins to see beyond the spectacle, they en- counter reality as it truly is, untouched by the manufactured layers of deception that dominate their vision (Plato, Book VII, 2008). This transformation of perception became even more pronounced with the introduc- tion of religious imagery. Through sculp- tures and representations, the divine was inserted into the spatio-temporal realm, rendering the divine into a physical, visual form. This act of embodying the divine within a visual medium shifted the focus of apprehension from the spiritual to the ma- terial, emphasising the role of vision in understanding the world, although some scholars argue against reductionist mod- els of “the gaze,” representing that vision is not something that occurs in abstrac- tion, but is a fundamental way of embody- ing the human self (Morgan, 2012). Nevertheless, the rise of ocularcentrism has not gone unchallenged, as some have critiqued the Cartesian separation of mind and body, advocating for a more integrated understanding of perception that includes all the senses, emphasising the embodied nature of perception, arguing that vision is not a detached, objective process but one deeply intertwined with our bodily experi- ences and situated in the world (Mer- leau-Ponty, 2012; Heidegger, 1962). In the contemporary era, the critique of oc- ularcentrism has been expanded by theo- rists who examine the intersection of tech- nology and visual culture. Some philso- phers explored how the advent of modern technologies, such as photography and cin- ema, reconfigured the relationship between 39Mustapha El Moussaoui the observer and the observed (Crary, 1990). Jonathan Crary argues that these technolo- gies have not only transformed the way we see but have also altered the very nature of vision itself, making it increasingly medi- ated and commodified. The Spectacle: Social Control and the Mediated Reality In the mid-20th century, Guy Debord’s The Society of the Spectacle (1967) presented a radical critique of modern society, positing that in an era dominated by mass media and consumer capitalism, the spectacle has become the central organising princi- ple of social life. The spectacle, according to Debord, is not merely a collection of im- ages but a social relation mediated by im- ages. It is a world where the representation of reality takes precedence over reality it- self, leading to a profound alienation of in- dividuals from authentic social relations. Debord’s analysis begins with the asser- tion that “in societies where modern con- ditions of production prevail, all of life presents itself as an immense accumula- tion of spectacles.” The spectacle, he ar- gues, is a manifestation of the commodity fetishism described by Marx, where the image of a product becomes more impor- tant than its use-value. In the spectacle, reality is fragmented and mediated through images that serve the interests of the ruling class, perpetuating a passive consumption of reality rather than active engagement with it. The spectacle thus operates as a form of social control, rein- forcing existing power structures by keep- ing individuals isolated and distracted. The rise of digital technologies has only in- tensified the spectacle’s reach and power. Today, AI-driven algorithms curate and generate vast amounts of visual content, shaping the way individuals perceive and interact with the world. The proliferation of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and You- Tube exemplifies this shift, where the spec- tacle is not only consumed but also actively produced by users who become both the creators and the subjects of mediated real- ity (Kollyri & Milioni, 2022; Armano & Bri- ziarelli, 2017). Here, AI plays a crucial role in amplifying the spectacle, as algorithms determine what content is seen, liked, and shared, thereby reinforcing particular nar- ratives and images over others. One of the most significant developments in this regard is the advent of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and other AI technologies that can create hyper-realis- tic images and videos. These technologies exemplify what Jean Baudrillard (1981) de- scribed as the “hyperreal”—a state where the distinction between reality and its rep- resentation becomes blurred, leading to a situation where simulations are more real than reality itself. Baudrillard’s concept of the hyperreal is a natural extension of De- bord’s spectacle, wherein AI-generated 40ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: BEYOND OCULARCENTRISM Figure 1 Midjourney outcome variable between February 2022 and December 2023 (Source: Donastre, 2024) 41Mustapha El Moussaoui content no longer merely represents real- ity but creates new realities that are con- sumed as authentic experiences. These AI-generated images and videos, which can be indistinguishable from real footage, complicate our understanding of truth and authenticity in the digital age. For instance, deepfakes—realistic AI-gener- ated videos that can depict people saying or doing things they never actually said or did—represent a new frontier in the specta- cle, where reality is not just mediated but entirely constructed by machines, and those who operate them. The implications for social control are profound, as these technologies can be used to manipulate public perception, spread misinformation, and reinforce hegemonic narratives with unprecedented efficiency and reach. Contemporary theorists such as Shos- hana Zuboff have explored how these de- velopments are tied to what she terms “surveillance capitalism,” a system where personal data is commodified and used to predict and influence behaviour (2019). Zuboff argues that the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data by tech companies enable a new form of so- cial control, where individuals are subtly nudged towards certain behaviours through the manipulation of digital en- vironments. This surveillance extends the logic of the spectacle, where reality is increasingly mediated through da- ta-driven images and narratives de- signed to serve the interests of those who control the algorithms. Moreover, the spectacle’s reach into the digital domain has significant implica- tions for the construction of identity and the experience of subjectivity. In a world where social media platforms encourage the constant curation of one’s image, iden- tity becomes a performance, a spectacle to be consumed by others, the “interpassiv- ity”, where individuals delegate their en- gagement with the world to external agents—whether they be images, technol- ogies, or other people. In this context, the self becomes a spectacle, a mediated con- struction that obscures the complexities of real human experience (Pfaller, 2017). AI and the Deconstruction of Ocularcentrism through Image Generation, the Positive. The advent of artificial intelligence, par- ticularly in the realm of image generation, represents a profound challenge to the oc- ularcentric paradigm that has dominated Western thought for centuries. As dis- cussed in earlier chapters, ocularcen- trism—the privileging of vision as the pri- mary mode of knowing—has long shaped our understanding of reality, knowledge, and power. However, AI technologies such as GANs and other deep learning models are now fundamentally altering this rela- tionship between vision and knowledge. 42ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: BEYOND OCULARCENTRISM These technologies do not merely repli- cate human visual capabilities; they tran- scend them, creating images that destabi- lise traditional notions of visuality, au- thenticity, and reality. AI technologies, like GANs and Diffu- sions, are capable of producing images that are indistinguishable from photo- graphs, yet these images do not originate from any physical reality. Instead, they are generated through complex algo- rithms that “hallucinate” visuals based on patterns learned from vast datasets. This process fundamentally redefines the traditional relationship between vision and reality. With rapid advancements in these technologies, they are now capable of generating highly realistic images ac- cessible to the public. Within just two years a huge change took place (Figure 1), the realism of these generated images has grown exponentially. One of the most striking aspects of AI-generated images is their ability to produce content that appears real but is entirely synthetic. This capacity for “deepfakes” and other forms of synthetic media calls into question the very nature of visual evidence. In the past, photo- graphs and videos were often considered incontrovertible proof of events, serving as the basis for historical documentation, journalism, and legal evidence. However, as AI-generated images become more prevalent, the reliability of visual evi- dence is increasingly undermined. This shift has significant implications, as it forces us to reconsider the epistemologi- cal status of images and the role of vision in the construction of knowledge. The deconstruction of ocularcentrism through AI image generation also has broader implications for the social and political dimensions of vision. As dis- cussed in the previous chapter, the spec- tacle relies on the manipulation of visual images to maintain social control and re- inforce dominant power structures. AI-generated images have the potential to both reinforce and subvert these struc- tures. On one hand, the ability to create hyper-realistic images/videos,etc could be used to perpetuate the spectacle, cre- ating new forms of visual manipulation that are even more insidious than those of the past. On the other hand, AI-gener- ated images could also be used to chal- lenge the spectacle, offering alternative visions that disrupt the dominant narra- tives imposed by those in power. Furthermore, the deconstruction of ocu- larcentrism through AI-generated im- agery opens up new possibilities for un- derstanding the relationship between vi- sion and the other senses. As Pallasmaa (1996) argues, the dominance of vision in Western culture has led to a neglect of the other senses, resulting in a disem- 43Mustapha El Moussaoui bodied experience of the world. AI tech- nologies, by creating images that are not tied to any physical reality, encourage us to rethink the role of vision in our sen- sory hierarchy and consider how other senses can contribute to a more holistic understanding of the world. This shift has important implications for fields such as architecture, design, and media studies, where a more multisensory ap- proach could lead to new forms of en- gagement with space, culture, and tech- nology, as now more than ever, we truly understand that images’ “representa- tions” are widely used and can easily be manipulated, hence, pushing us to ques- tion the essence of the visual sense, the “representation,” the why, to think be- yond the ocularcentric. Beyond the Spectacle: AI, Rapid Image Creation, and the Transformation of Social Spaces The integration of artificial intelligence into the fabric of visual culture marks a sig- nificant turning point in the evolution of social spaces, with a possibility to tran- scend the spectacle that has long domi- nated our mediated realities. At the core of this transformation is the ability of AI tech- nologies, to produce images with unprece- dented speed and sophistication. These technologies do not simply replicate exist- ing visual forms; they generate new, often unexpected, aesthetic experiences that challenge the established norms of visual culture. The sheer velocity at which AI can create and disseminate images disrupts the temporal rhythm of the spectacle, which has traditionally relied on the gradual accu- mulation of images to construct and rein- force social realities. In this new paradigm, the rapidity of image production destabi- lises the spectacle’s hold on the collective consciousness, opening up possibilities for the emergence of new social spaces that are less constrained by the dictates of com- modified visuality. One example of this phenomenon is the rise of virtual and augmented reality envi- ronments, where AI-generated images cre- ate immersive spaces that blur the bound- aries between the real and the virtual in seconds. These new AI- Augmented reality environments challenge traditional no- tions of space by offering experiences that are both hyper-real and hyper-mediated , created in mere seconds to commodify the needs of the spectator. These new media environments reconfigure the relationship between the body and space, creating what he calls “mixed reality” spaces where the physical and digital coexist in a continuous feedback loop. In such spaces, the specta- cle is not merely a passive consumption of images but an active engagement with a constantly evolving visual field, driven by AI’s capacity to generate and transform images in real time. 44ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: BEYOND OCULARCENTRISM Scenarios and the Spectacle In October 2023, an experiment was con- ducted in the Don Bosco region of Bolzano, Italy, to explore the implications of AI-gen- erated imagery on urban development and community engagement. Six distinct sce- narios were created, five of which were gen- erated using AI tools, specifically MidJour- ney V6 and ComfyUI, employing GANs. The first four AI-generated scenarios were inspired by a research project aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop- ment and the European Green Deal. This project proposed four plausible trajectories for the region’s future by 2030, each embod- ying distinct visions of sustainability and so- cietal change. These scenarios included: 1. Regional Consciousness: “Our strength lies in tradition.” 2. Neo-Cosmopolitanism: “Think global, ac t local.” 3. Individual Freedom: “I am the archi- tect of my own happiness.” 4. Green Innovation: “There is a (tech- nological) solution to everything .” (Hab- icher et al., 2022) 5. Dystopic Scenario 6. Real-Life Problematics GANs were employed to visually recre- ate these hypothetical futures, offering a compelling, image-driven representa- tion of public spaces in the neighbour- hood. These AI-generated visuals were juxtaposed with the author’s phenome- nological scenario, which addressed re- al-life urban challenges, including ac- cessibility, safety, and social cohesion. To ground the experiment in public partici- pation, a community event was organised in Bolzano, where residents engaged with the six scenarios. This participatory approach aimed to involve the local population in re- imagining their urban environment and to gauge their understanding of AI’s role in shaping public spaces. The methodology combined qualitative and quantitative feed- back tools to ensure diverse and inclusive participation, and the participants were in- formed about the concept, problems, and solutions proposed (Figure 2). The event attracted 87 participants across a wide age range, including chil- dren, young adults, and the elderly, en- suring a broad spectrum of perspectives. After the scenarios and their contextual backgrounds were explained, partici- pants were asked to select their preferred vision for the neighbourhood’s redevel- opment. Notably, 70 out of 87 partici- pants (around 80%) gravitated toward the AI-generated scenarios that offered visually striking representations, often described as “spectacular.” This prefer- ence highlighted the dominance of visual allure over pragmatic, problem-oriented solutions—reinforcing the argument that the “spectacle” exerts a powerful influ- ence on decision-making (Figure 3). 45Mustapha El Moussaoui This outcome underscores a critical ten- sion between visual appeal and substan- tive engagement with real urban issues. The experiment serves as a case study to interrogate how AI-generated imagery, while innovative, risks perpetuating ocu- larcentrism by prioritising aesthetics over lived realities in urban design. It also em- phasises the need for critical frameworks to navigate the interplay between visual representation, community participation, and meaningful urban transformation. Human-Beings Where To?: The Future of Identity and Essence in the AI Age The question of identity has always been central to philosophy, rooted in the quest to understand the self and its relation to the world. The advent of AI marks a criti- cal juncture in the evolution of human identity and essence. As AI technologies become more deeply embedded in various aspects of daily life, they challenge fun- damental understandings of identity, particularly when identity is considered a fluid social construct shaped by interac- tion with external forces, including tech- nological advancements (Taylor, 1989; Giddens, 1991). The growing presence of AI raises profound questions about the nature of human identity, agency, and perception in the digital age. The increasing convergence of humans and machines necessitates a rethinking of subjectivity. Traditional notions of the human as a bounded, autonomous entity are being supplanted by more fluid and distributed forms of subjectivity, incor- porating both biological and technolog- ical elements. This posthuman condition challenges fixed definitions of identity, reframing it as constituted through net- works of interactions that span organic and synthetic domains (Hayles, 1999). The fluidity of identity was underscored in the experiment conducted in the Don Bo- Figure 2 Participants making scenario choices. Source : 2023 Author Figure 3 Some of the votes chosen by participants. Source : 2023 Author 46ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: BEYOND OCULARCENTRISM sco region of Bolzano, Italy. By presenting six distinct scenarios—five generated using AI tools such as MidJourney V6 and Com- fyUI, and one rooted in a phenomenolog- ical interpretation of real-life neighbour- hood challenges. Public engagement with these scenarios revealed the dominance of the visual spectacle: 80% of the partici- pants favoured AI-generated scenarios for their aesthetic appeal, even when these failed to address the actual problematics of the area, and they were hallucinative in their core. This preference highlighted the influence of AI-generated imagery on collective decision-making, reinforcing the argument that the “spectacle” continues to mediate identity and agency, often prior- itising allure over substance. These findings connect within broader discourses on AI and identity. Algorith- mically driven experiences increasingly mediate human interactions, influencing perceptions and shaping how individuals construct their sense of self. Personalisa- tion technologies, while designed to en- hance user experiences, often reinforce biases and create echo chambers that constrain identity formation (Tufekci, 2017). Similarly, the allure of AI-gener- ated imagery amplifies ocularcentrism, perpetuating the privileging of vision as the primary mode of understanding while sidelining deeper, multidimensional en- gagement with reality. Yet, the future of identity and essence in the AI age is not predetermined. While AI presents significant challenges, it also of- fers opportunities for reimagining what it means to be human. The experiment in Bolzano serves as a reminder of the need to critically engage with AI’s visual allure, ensuring that its potential is controlled for meaningful transformation rather than perpetuating new forms of control. The posthuman condition offers an opportu- nity to move beyond anthropocentric and dualistic frameworks, embracing instead a dynamic understanding of identity that in- corporates both human and non-human actors (Braidotti, 2013). In this context, the essence of humanity no longer resides in fixed characteristics but in the capacity for adaptation, creativ- ity, and resilience amid change. AI, by challenging the dominance of the visual forces a reconsideration of what it means to be human. It calls for new epistemolo- gies that transcend the limitations of the empirical, pushing us beyond the con- structed narratives of power that have shaped our understanding, additionally to question and critically approach any nar- rative presented to us. This reimagining demands a holistic, multidimensional ap- proach to knowledge, engaging all senses and perspectives to arrive at deeper truths, rather than submitting to constructed nar- ratives imposed on us. The experiment in Bolzano demonstrates both the potential and the peril of AI in reshaping identity and perception. As AI creates representa- 47Mustapha El Moussaoui tions beyond human imagination, we are called to question what is truly necessary and existential. 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