The paper begins by situating its inquiry within the context of the digital transformation, or Society 4.0, highlighting the pervasive influence of AI and information and communication technologies (ICTs) across all societal levels. The authors note that this digital turn challenges established dichotomies like public/private and consumption/production, necessitating a re-evaluation of the digital civil society. While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI, the authors emphasize the need for careful consideration of unintended consequences, particularly the shift towards data production as the primary economic driver. This shift, analyzed through the lens of 'digital capitalism', places significant emphasis on user-generated data and its commodification, raising ethical and political dilemmas surrounding data ownership, privacy, and the nature of work itself. The introduction concludes by emphasizing the need for a critical approach to understanding the mechanisms of digital data commodification and the formulation of normative principles to guide the development and implementation of AI, acknowledging diverse reactions ranging from efforts to control and mitigate risks to embracing change and adapting interpretive frameworks. The increasing prevalence of risk mitigation efforts is also highlighted as potentially disrupting ontological security in modern societies.

The paper draws upon a wide range of literature to contextualize its arguments. It references works on digital capitalism (Fuchs and Mosco, 2016), datafication (Mayer-Schönberger and Cukier, 2014), and the challenges of digital transformation (Allmer, 2017; Chandler and Fuchs, 2019). The authors also engage with the literature on the ethics of technology, particularly the Critical Theory of Technology, referencing key figures such as Herbert Marcuse, Adorno and Horkheimer, and Andrew Feenberg. The literature review also incorporates perspectives on technological determinism and the importance of responsible technology use (Greenfield, 2017). Further references encompass works on the impact of algorithms and big data on social inequality and privacy (Bridle, 2018, 2019; Noble, 2018; Eubanks, 2018), highlighting the potential for AI to exacerbate existing biases and discrimination. Finally, works on the ethical and political implications of AI and big data (Coeckelbergh, 2020; Zuboff and Schwandt, 2019; Ashok et al., 2022) are engaged with. The review also considers the complexities of economic impact of AI, including job displacement and productivity gains (Gruetzemacher and Whittlestone, 2022; Zarifhonarvar, 2023).

The research methodology employed is multi-faceted, incorporating a comprehensive literature review to establish a firm understanding of the existing research landscape on the social impacts of AI. This is complemented by a thorough policy and legal analysis, scrutinizing existing regulations and identifying potential gaps to inform recommendations for improved legal frameworks. Ethical and legal implications of AI are critically examined to develop guidelines that uphold democratic values and social justice. The core methodological framework draws upon Critical Theory of Technology and the philosophy of information, employing interdisciplinary analysis encompassing sociology, anthropology, political science, and economics. This approach combines philosophical and sociological theories to expose the underlying mechanisms of datafication and commodification of digital data, alongside an evaluation of ethical and political dimensions. The analytical structure features critical reflection on current digital and technological phenomena, including user behavior, social norms, values, and the interplay of technology, culture, and social identity. Economic consequences are also considered, examining the impact of technology on GDP growth, labor productivity, employment structure, and research and development investment. The political dimension explores the interplay between technology and the political system, encompassing cybersecurity, internet regulation, and the influence of technology giants on politics. The paper then describes three key methodological approaches: 1) Critical Theory of Technology analysis of the political dimensions of technologies and social relations; 2) application of the philosophy of information to examine the epistemological aspects of the social universe as a Big Data project, using analytical tools to explore ICTs; 3) focusing on the concept of datafication of knowledge, analyzing how knowledge conversion into digital form and subsequent analysis through AI benefits those with access to advanced computational tools. The methodological innovation lies in integrating these three approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis of the complexities of AI and its societal impacts, addressing the limitations of existing approaches by integrating political analysis into the philosophy of information and by examining how technologies transform social subjects.

The study reveals that AI's deployment carries significant political and social consequences, impacting both human and online environments. It transfers societal contradictions from the physical world into the digital realm, exemplified by changes in political power dynamics (strengthening or weakening the influence of governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals), alterations in social structures (through changes in communication and social interactions), and shifts in social values (as digital technologies influence worldviews). A digital class divide emerges, where individuals produce data but lack access to its interpretation and benefits, leading to digital exploitation and ideological control. This is especially pertinent in the context of datafication and its inherent opacity, which obscures the mechanisms through which algorithms and AI systems shape and influence decision-making processes. Conflicts arise at the intersection of democratic values and data collection, market economies and data sharing, and individual rights and public well-being, creating ethical dilemmas, cognitive biases, and tensions related to privacy and freedom. The lack of transparency in algorithms is seen to exacerbate existing social inequalities, creating new forms of discrimination and marginalization, particularly impacting vulnerable social groups. The study emphasizes the need for a deeper investigation into the impact of AI on various social groups, and the mechanisms that create conflicts in both the human and online environments. It also emphasizes the urgent need for ethical considerations in the design and implementation of AI systems and the importance of addressing the power imbalances inherent in technology development and deployment.

The findings underscore the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between AI, technology, and society. The study's conclusions directly address the research question by highlighting the profound and multifaceted impacts of AI on both the human and digital environments. The significance of the results lies in their contribution to a nuanced understanding of the social and political complexities of AI, informing the development of policies and strategies aimed at mitigating negative consequences and maximizing societal benefits. The study's relevance to the field is evident in its multidisciplinary approach, which draws upon insights from sociology, political science, philosophy, and economics to provide a more holistic perspective. The authors highlight the ongoing need for interdisciplinary collaboration to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid advancement of AI and its integration into all aspects of life. The discussion emphasizes that the transition to an AI-driven society requires careful attention to the ethical implications and potential for both positive and negative consequences.

This study reveals the profound political and social ramifications of AI, impacting both the human and online environments and transferring societal contradictions to the digital realm. Key impacts identified include shifts in political power, social structures, and values, as well as the emergence of a digital class divide. The authors highlight conflicts arising from tensions between democratic values and data collection, market economies and data sharing, and individual rights and public well-being. To address these issues, the study advocates for stronger democratic values and human rights protection through improved digital technology regulation, civil society support, and public education. Future research should focus on the impact of digital transformation on various social groups, the political and social mechanisms of online conflicts, and the development of new conflict resolution strategies.

While the paper provides a comprehensive overview, a limitation is the inherent breadth of its scope. The study touches on numerous interconnected issues, but a more in-depth analysis of specific sectors or social groups could offer even richer insights. Furthermore, the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology means that some of the specific findings and recommendations may require updating as AI technology advances. The paper's reliance on existing literature also means that it is not based on original empirical data, limiting the direct generalizability of some findings to specific contexts.