human agency

The social contract has been about rights and responsibilities in human societies. Facebook and its role in manufacturing and sustaining a global social contract, a new “we” is clearly one of the research areas that needs more attention. A new “we” is coming of age in the new age of connectivity and communication with a new outlook toward responsibility and rights at individual and collective levels. Facebook purports to build a new world based on connection and communication which is based on progress and prosperity. However, a fundamental factor and feature of Facebook that needs attention and more research is that people and users are becoming increasingly lonely, separated and independent from each other in this process while connecting and communicating with one another. This new social contract and “we” thus have the new features of the relationship between the human agency and his/her social structures. Cyberspace is the product of human agency and clearly creates and sustains a specific social structure. This research seeks to study the relationship between human agency, changing technical tools of communication and connection and emerging and evolving social structures and social contracts. Bandura’s “social cognitive theory” (2006) rejects a conflict and dichotomy between agency and social structure. As agency helps to build new social structures after destroying the old ones these new structures create and sustain a new social contract and “we” with a new sense of responsibility, obligations, and rights.

Background: Throughout history, humans have consistently developed groundbreaking technologies, from fire and the wheel to modern computing, showcasing their ability to innovate and control their creations. The rise of artificial intelligence has sparked renewed concerns about whether machines might eventually surpass human intelligence and autonomy.Aims: This study aims to critically assess AI’s role in human society, particularly addressing concerns that it may surpass human control and agency. It seeks to demonstrate that while AI is a powerful tool, it lacks autonomy, self-augmentation, and intentionality, making it unlikely to replace human decision-making. Additionally, the paper examines historical technological advancements, showing how humans have always adapted and controlled new innovations.Methodology: Employing a historical-comparative methodology, this study traces the evolution of computing technologies from early tally systems to quantum computing. It incorporates philosophical analysis through the works of Hubert Dreyfus, John Searle, and Michael Tomasello, assessing AI’s limitations in replicating human cognition.Findings: The study finds that despite AI’s rapid advancements, it remains fundamentally dependent on human input, lacks true understanding, and is incapable of independent self-enhancement. The historical trajectory of technological progress demonstrates that while new technologies can disrupt societies, humans have consistently adapted and maintained control. Philosophical critiques of AI further reinforce the argument that intelligence is not solely computational but deeply rooted in embodiment, intuition, and shared intentionality—qualities that AI lacks.Conclusions: Concerns about AI overwhelming human agency are largely misplaced. Just as humanity has managed previous technological revolutions—including writing, mechanization, and computing—AI will be integrated and regulated according to human needs and ethical considerations. While vigilance is necessary, the myth of AI autonomy is exaggerated.

Aim: The main goal of this study was to explore how human agency and optimism are related to the psychological well-being of students. Method: This study utilized a descriptive correlational method to conduct the research. The target population for the study included all high school students in the 3rd district of Karaj Education during the second semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. A sample size of 150 individuals was chosen using the Krejci and Morgan (1970) table through cluster random sampling. Information for the study was gathered through questionnaires on human agency developed by Woody, Palito, and Barnier (2013), optimism by Scheier and Carver (1985), and psychological well-being by Riff (2002). The data was analyzed using linear multivariate regression tests along with simultaneous and correlation methods. The analysis was conducted using SPSS software, specifically version 23. Results: The analysis of research data revealed a significant negative correlation between human agency, involuntary effort, and psychological well-being (P< 0.01). Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between optimism and psychological well-being (P< 0.01). The analysis of the research data revealed that 35% of the variations in psychological well-being can be attributed to human agency and optimism, with a statistically significant result (P < 0.01 and F (147.2) =41.19). Conclusion: The research findings indicate that agency is crucial for the personal development and adjustment of individuals to their surroundings. Human agency greatly influences the actions and situations in life, helping people to manage their endeavors in reaching their objectives and aspirations.