From sign to habit: a pragmaticist study in the context of digital technologies

Author(s)

Gabriel Engel Ducatti

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Marília. 2023-06-19.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências. Marília
• Defense date: 2023-04-24
• Advisor: Maria Eunique Quilici Gonzalez

Abstract

In this work, we aim to investigate possible epistemological and pragmatic consequences of the massive insertion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT or Digital Technologies) in the dynamics of the mediation of habits and beliefs. Starting from an analysis of the concept of information, we emphasize its relationship with digital technologies and present a semiotic characterization of the term in light of Charles Sanders Peirce's philosophy. We discuss the notion of the digital sphere and, understanding it as composed of signs, we seek to semiotically characterize such digital signs, to conceive possible impacts on the establishment of habits and conduct. The initial question that guided the research can be stated as follows: what contributions can semiotics and pragmaticism bring to the study of the dynamics of structuring habits and beliefs in the current digital environment of ICT users? Semiotics, as a science that investigates languages, conceiving them as signs, will help us in the discussion about systems of signs that constitute the relationships between users and devices of digital media. Guided by Pragmaticism, we conceive of possible practical consequences regarding human communication processes deeply mediated by the digital sphere. Emphasizing the intense semiotic capacity of digital signs to capture human attention, we discuss the role of attention as a central element in the constitution of beliefs, habits, and the consequent direction of conduct. Finally, we present a hypothesis about how attention has been subjugated in the digital sphere using digital content as bait, which differs from semiotic information. Despite having Peirce's theoretical perspective as a basis, we believe that the complexity and topicality of the question under analysis demands an interdisciplinary approach that dialogues with different authors and areas of knowledge, in addition to Peirce's theory. Thus, we are willing to carry out a philosophical-interdisciplinary study of a thematic nature, focused on the analysis of the dynamism of the sign systems that make up the user/digital environment relationship, to conceive impacts within the scope of individual and collective action. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/13316-0 - From sign to habit: semiotics and pragmaticism in the context of information and communication technologies
• Grantee: Gabriel Engel Ducatti
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master