Beyond Labels: Redefining Human Identity in the Age of A.I.
Moses Sam Paul Johnraj
Author - TheInternetOfValue | Partner - CommunityVentureStudio
Part 1. Introduction: Navigating the AI-Induced Identity Crisis
AI-induced identity crisis is the near-term epidemic we're facing as a society—a 'midlife crisis but for humanity,' if you will.
What does it mean to be human when artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing our roles, value, and even our sense of self? Influential figures like Sam Altman and Elon Musk have spoken about the profound impact AI will have on humanity—not just in what we do, but in how we see ourselves.
Altman has emphasized the potential for AI to significantly alter economic systems and societal structures, while Musk has warned of the existential risks AI poses, urging caution and regulation. For example, Altman has discussed how AI could reshape labor markets and economic inequality, citing examples in his interviews with Lex Fridman and during the 'AI for Good' Summit. Musk has highlighted concerns about AI safety in interviews and public talks, such as those with the MIT Aeronautics and Astronautics department, and on platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast.
In this blog, we will explore how our understanding of identity has evolved over time, from the survival instincts of hunter-gatherers to the curated online personas of today. We will see how each era has shaped our identity, leading us to the current AI-driven transformation. We’ll dive into cultural ideals of the perfect human, examine what it means to build a holistic identity in the AI era, and propose a new concept: the API Human—a more integrated and adaptable vision for the future.
It could have been AI Man, but we chose API Human for a reason—highlighting the idea of modular integration and connectivity, much like how APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) connect systems. Let’s rethink identity as we face an AI-dominated tomorrow.
Part 2. Identity Evolution with Technology
Before there were CEOs and influencers, there were hunters and gatherers. And instead of productivity apps, they had spears and berries.
2.1. Hunter-Gatherer Society (Prehistory - 10,000 BCE)
In the earliest stages of human civilization, identity was linked to survival skills and social cooperation. Nomadic lifestyles and small, tightly-knit communities meant that people were recognized for their immediate roles—gathering food, hunting, or protecting the group. Identity was fluid, dynamic, and based on one’s contributions to survival. Studies in anthropology, such as those by Marshall Sahlins (1972), show that these societies had a strong sense of egalitarianism and community, with each member’s value tied to group survival rather than individual wealth or status.
2.2. Pastoralist and Horticulturalist Societies (10,000 - 3,000 BCE)
With the domestication of animals and the cultivation of crops, human beings started forming semi-settled communities. Identity expanded to include resource management skills, like farming, herding, and early trading practices. This stage marked the beginning of social hierarchies based on land ownership and agricultural output, as documented by Jared Diamond in 'Guns, Germs, and Steel' (1997), which describes how these developments led to the stratification of societies.
2.3. Agrarian Society (3,000 BCE - 18th Century)
Advancements in agriculture led to larger settlements and more complex social structures. Identity became tied to land, productivity, and the role individuals played in larger communities. This was the dawn of civilization, where humans settled into defined roles—farmers, artisans, rulers—anchored to specific skills and resources.
2.4. Renaissance Man as a Historical Counterpart (14th - 17th Century)
The Renaissance period offers a valuable lesson in the evolution of identity, serving as a bridge to the Industrial Revolution. Renaissance individuals, or polymaths, excelled in multiple domains—art, science, philosophy—demonstrating that human identity could be expansive and multi-faceted even without modern technology. The Renaissance Man serves as a reminder that versatility and diverse pursuits enrich human life, laying the foundation for the evolving roles that would emerge in the Industrial Revolution. Remember, this was before everyone could put 'Renaissance Polymath' as their LinkedIn job title.
The concept of the Renaissance Man, perfectly embodied by Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, represented a balance between art, science, and the human form. The Vitruvian Man serves as an enduring symbol of human potential, emphasizing versatility and the pursuit of multiple domains—a pursuit that still inspires us as we strive to redefine identity in a digital age.
2.5. Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Industrial Man (18th - 20th Century)
The Industrial Revolution redefined human identity again, emphasizing productivity and economic contribution. The rise of factories and urbanization shifted focus to the individual’s role within a workforce, leading to hierarchical and structured identities. Notable shifts included the migration from rural areas to urban centers, where people sought factory jobs, and the emergence of work culture centered on long hours and regimented schedules.
People became increasingly tied to their professions, and economic output became the primary measure of one’s value, often leading to a loss of personal identity outside of work. Historical data from the United Nations shows that urban populations rose dramatically during this period, marking a significant cultural shift.
It was the era of "I work, therefore I am"—not exactly a Renaissance Man vibe.
6. Modern/Post-Industrial Society (20th Century - Present)
As we moved into the digital age, identity became even more complex—centered around digital skills, online presence, and professional specialization. Platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, and Instagram have made identity a curated digital persona, where one's value is often measured by follower count or endorsements. Because nothing says self-worth like a well-curated hashtag.
Personal branding and finding one’s niche became popular narratives, often reducing identity to isolated expertise or digital personas.
Remember, it’s not about "who you are," but "how many people like who you pretend to be online."
But with AI taking on more human-like tasks, we are faced with a new question: what does it mean to be human when machines can do much of what we’ve defined ourselves by? To explore this further, we turn to cultural ideals of the perfect human, which have evolved across different societies and eras. This is where the need for a new concept of identity emerges—something that goes beyond mere economic output and digital personas.
Part 3: Search for an Ideal Human Across Cultures and Myths
Throughout history, cultures have envisioned the ideal human—someone who embodies the highest virtues, balances mind, body, and spirit, and strives for perfection or enlightenment. Here are some examples:
These ideals, both mythological and philosophical, have shaped humanity's vision of perfection and self-fulfillment, guiding us towards balance, growth, and contribution. As we enter the AI era, these cultural ideals provide inspiration for reimagining our identity, ultimately leading us to the concept of the 'API Human'—a model that integrates these virtues into a modern, adaptable framework.
Part 4. Building a New Identity for the AI Era: The API Human
The API Human is an ideal identity model that integrates different facets of our being—validated and interconnected, much like APIs in technology. This identity is modular, holistic, and adaptable, evolving in real-time based on continuous validation.
4.1 Elements of the API Human Identity
The API Human model consists of different building blocks, each of which is critical to constructing a resilient identity:
4.2 Real-World Integrations
To effectively implement these building blocks, the API Human leverages various real-world platforms that serve as endpoints for validation:
4.3 The Identity Dashboard
The Identity Dashboard acts as an aggregator of these various building blocks, creating a unified and validated identity profile. Inspired by "The Internet of Value," this dashboard collects real-time data from all interconnected sources, providing a comprehensive view of one's modular identity:
The goal of the API Human is to evolve from a purely productivity-focused identity to one that encompasses all dimensions of life—achieving a balanced, resilient, and validated version of oneself. Imagine this identity as a modern, data-driven version of the Vitruvian Man—a quantified approach to a balanced, fulfilled human identity. Because who doesn’t want to see their life quantified into neat little data points?
5. Search for a Terminology
As we reimagine identity, it's crucial to find the right terminology that captures the essence of this new era. The language we use shapes our understanding and acceptance of new ideas, making it important to choose terms that resonate and help us adapt to emerging identity concepts.
First, let’s address Transhumanism. Transhumanism focuses on transcending human limitations through technological enhancement—pushing the boundaries of what humans are capable of. Examples include brain-computer interfaces, genetic modifications, and artificial intelligence augmentations. Prominent Transhumanist thinkers, such as Nick Bostrom, and specific projects like Neuralink have pushed these ideas into the mainstream, adding depth to the discussion. However, the approach we are discussing here is different. The API Human is not just about transcending limitations; it’s about modular integration, adaptability, and building a holistic and interconnected identity. It’s about enhancing and connecting the multiple aspects of who we are, rather than simply surpassing human limits.
While we’ve used the term API Human throughout this blog, it may not fully capture the essence of the modular, balanced identity we envision. The API Human emphasizes integration, but we want to explore other terms that could better reflect this evolving identity.
This segment is purely about finding the right terminology for this new identity we've crafted. Let’s explore some potential terms:
5.1 New Suggestions for Terminology
6. Conclusion: Defining a New Human Identity
The future of human identity is dynamic and balanced. We've explored how identity has evolved—from hunter-gatherer societies to the digital age—and why a new, adaptable model like the API Human is needed in the AI era. While Transhumanism seeks to surpass human limits, our focus is on a holistic, integrated approach—one that ensures balance across all facets of life.
Let's redefine ourselves in an AI-driven world and strive for a well-rounded, validated version of who we can be.
We need a term that captures this vision. Should we strive to become Augmented Humans, Holistic Humans, Modular Humans, or Integrated Humans? Join us in shaping the future of human identity—whether it's the API Human or a new term we collectively decide on—an identity that embraces skills, wellbeing, and community.
We invite you, our readers, to share your thoughts and suggestions. What term do you think best captures the essence of this new identity model? Let us know in the comments section below . We want to hear from you as we collectively shape the vision for the future of human identity.