Re-Engineering Humanity

Re-Engineering Humanity examines how modern technology and techno-social engineering are reshaping human behavior and decision-making. The authors analyze how everyday technologies, from smartphones to smart contracts, are programming humans to behave in increasingly automated and machine-like ways. Through case studies and research examples, Frischmann and Selinger investigate the ways digital tools and systems can diminish human agency and free will. They explore how seemingly beneficial technological conveniences may be eroding core human capabilities and fundamentally altering how we think and act. The book presents frameworks for understanding and evaluating techno-social engineering, while considering the legal and ethical implications of these changes. The authors outline potential approaches for preserving human autonomy and decision-making capacity in an increasingly engineered world. This work raises critical questions about the future relationship between humans and technology, and what it means to remain authentically human in an age of increasing automation and behavioral engineering. The analysis challenges readers to consider how technological progress may be reshaping humanity itself.

Readers value the book's examination of how technology shapes human behavior and decision-making, with many noting its relevance to current tech trends. Multiple reviews highlight the authors' analysis of "techno-social engineering" and its implications for human agency. Liked: - Clear examples from everyday technology use - Research-backed arguments - Practical framework for evaluating tech impact - Balance between academic depth and accessibility Disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Repetitive points in later chapters - Length could be shorter - Some arguments need more supporting evidence One reader noted: "The section on smart contracts made me rethink every Terms of Service I've accepted." Another wrote: "Important ideas but gets bogged down in academic language." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (87 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (48 ratings) Google Books: 4/5 (31 ratings) Most critical reviews focus on writing style rather than content.

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🔷 The book draws parallels between how we program computers and how modern technology is "programming" human behavior, suggesting we're becoming more machine-like in our daily decisions. 🔷 Co-author Brett Frischmann previously worked as a programmer and infrastructure engineer before becoming a law professor, giving him unique insight into both the technical and social aspects of human-technology interaction. 🔷 The authors coined the term "techno-social engineering" to describe how technology companies deliberately design systems that modify human behavior and decision-making processes. 🔷 The book examines real-world examples like fitness trackers and smart contracts to show how seemingly helpful technologies can actually diminish human agency and critical thinking. 🔷 "Re-Engineering Humanity" won the 2019 PROSE Award for Excellence in Social Sciences, presented by the Association of American Publishers.