The Panopticon: A Design for Social Control

Jeremy Bentham's concept of the Panopticon, a prison design where inmates are constantly surveilled and thus regulate their own behavior, has pervasive influence on Western society. The Panopticon's idea of asymmetry between knowledge and power permeates modern institutions, controlling norms, and influencing behavior. With the advancement of AI and machine algorithms, the Panopticon's control has expanded to the level of individual transactions, limiting options and shaping public opinion through recommended content. Such control over information affects education, critical thinking, and individual autonomy. The digital panopticon creates an environment where privacy is increasingly limited, decisions are influenced, and free will is compromised, raising concerns about the balance between convenience, security, and personal freedom.