Human in the Age of Digitalization: The Specifics of Existence and Communication

Aim. To analyze the transformation of a human, which naturally happens under the influence of the growing process of digitalization, to consider the features of human existence and communication in a digital society. Methodology. The study consistently analyzes the anthropologically-oriented problems of the era of digitalization, in particular, those that directly affect the features of human existence in the realities of a digital society, as well as the specifics of communication carried out in the context of virtualization universalization. The research uses traditional methods – dialectical, comparative, systematic, analysis and synthesis, historical and logical methods, as well as modern methods for studying the digital environment and the dynamics of its components, including the methodology of the social communication evolution theory to identify the social-historical determination of virtual communication. Results. The study shows that the actualization of anthropologically-oriented problems of the digitalization era is associated with the avalanche-like integration of digital technologies into the life of society. Under its influence, a human changes quite quickly. There is a problem of preserving human as a biological species and a social being. The idea of a posthuman future is becoming more and more popular. However, the transformation of a human most often turns out to be his intense deformation and degradation. Digitalization requires new models of behavior, new skills, and value priorities. A human develops new behavioral strategies in professional and everyday life. A new type of being is forming – virtual reality. Virtual communication takes up more and more of the user’s time, contributing to his distance from real life. The imperative of virtuality is becoming paradigmatic. Research implications. The theoretical significance of the research is related to its discussion of one of the most significant problems of our time – uncritical perception of information conveyed to society through media technologies. This leads to a decrease in human cognitive abilities, and society becomes the object of constant manipulation. Due to this, real power is in the hands of the elites, who have the ability to form and disseminate the information they need by controlling the information and communication environment. The practical significance of the research lies in the fact that its conclusions can be useful to a human as a user keeping virtually active, a subject of virtual communication and, at the same time, a permanent participant of social life.