Sekhar Seshadri, a prominent child and adolescent psychiatrist, recently addressed the impact of algorithms on personal identity during a talk titled “The Screen, Self, and Algorithms.” This event was part of Our Digital Futures Fest, organized by IT for Change, a non-governmental organization based in Bengaluru dedicated to digital justice. The festival, celebrating the NGO”s 25th anniversary, runs from October 25 to November 1.
During the session, moderated by author and philosopher Sundar Sarukkai, Dr. Seshadri emphasized the risks associated with relying on algorithms for introspection. He noted that when individuals outsource their self-reflection to these systems, their sense of authorship over their lives may diminish, raising concerns about personal autonomy.
“As social beings, our identity has always been influenced by our social environments, including family and peers,” he explained. “However, algorithms now condition our thoughts and behaviors based on their objective of maximizing user engagement.” He described digital screens as active participants in shaping individual self-perception rather than mere passive windows to the world.
Dr. Seshadri elaborated on the concept of feedback loops, where algorithms analyze user behavior, such as scrolling and sharing, to create a data-driven profile. This curated content reinforces specific aspects of identity while neglecting others, potentially trapping users in echo chambers.
The psychiatrist also raised ethical concerns regarding the negative effects of constant exposure to carefully filtered portrayals of others” lives on social media. Such comparisons can adversely affect self-esteem, particularly among children and adolescents. “The emergence of the “quantified self” aspect through tracking applications further reduces a person”s rich experiences to mere data points, leading some to trust algorithmic assessments over their own feelings,” he noted.
Dr. Seshadri acknowledged that while artificial intelligence can offer insights or assist in emotional regulation, significant issues arise when individuals completely delegate introspection to these systems. He warned that this practice erodes narrative agency, as personal life events become framed through algorithmically generated highlights rather than genuine introspection.
He posed critical questions regarding authenticity and authorship in an age where identity and emotion are increasingly mediated by opaque systems. “What does it mean to know oneself in a world where machines shape our understanding? If algorithms dictate aspects of our identity, can we claim to be authentic?” he questioned.
In response to the pervasive influence of social media, Dr. Seshadri urged individuals to engage more actively in self-construction to counteract passive exposure to algorithmic feedback. He recommended cultivating digital habits that promote reflective awareness and diverse media consumption.
During the festival”s opening day at the Bangalore International Centre, IT for Change also launched “People”s Digital India,” an anthology of essays, and showcased a photo exhibition highlighting the NGO”s field projects. Upcoming events include discussions on educational technology and artificial intelligence, set to take place from October 30 to November 1.
