The digital age does not mean that humans are dominated by machines

It is vital to understand technology so that you can use it rather than letting it control you. This means knowing its true nature,  and this applies to everyone, including – and in many cases especially – businesses and those responsible for running them. This is one of the key takeaways from the recently published ‘Non è colpa dell’algoritmo!  Idee per usare bene la nostra libertà nell’era digitale’ (It’s not the algorithm’s fault! Ideas for making good use of our freedom in the digital age), written by Antonio Palmieri.

Palmieri begins by considering the following: for years, it has been easy to perpetuate the narrative that we are victims of technology,  captives of algorithms, manipulated by social media and overwhelmed by artificial intelligence that makes decisions on our behalf. While this narrative is widespread, seductive and deeply comforting, it risks becoming a convenient excuse that absolves and ultimately weakens humanity itself.  Instead, the book suggests changing our perspective by starting from a different point of view:  digital platforms and artificial intelligence are not autonomous entities, but tools designed by humans and fed daily by the choices we make.

If technology works in a certain way, it is because it is used in that way. If technology does indeed influence our choices, it is because we have failed to regulate it properly. Without denying the very real risks of the digital ecosystem — from surveillance and polarisation to addiction and manipulation — the author therefore focuses on what is often overlooked in public debate:  personal responsibility.

Consequently, the focus of technology (and of the book) shifts back to the individual and their imperfect yet decisive freedom. Readers can gain an understanding of this through a series of examples, reflections, and thought-provoking ideas touching on politics, education, work, and everyday life.

Ultimately, the book takes a contrarian stance,  encouraging readers to engage with the digital world rather than be at its mercy, to use technology rather than be used by it, and to cultivate freedom rather than surrender it. Antonio Palmieri’s book is well worth a careful read.

Non è colpa dell’algoritmo! Idee per usare bene la nostra libertà nell’era digitale

Antonio Palmieri

Egea, 2026