NEOLIBERALISM AND SURVEILLANCE: THE SEARCH FOR PATHS TOWARDS A INFOCOMMUNICATIONAL EDUCATION AGAINST THE APOCALYPSE

Abstract

Investigating whether communicative rationality in Adorno (1971) would intensify under neoliberalism, characterized by the imperative for growth of platformization systems, this article proposes counterpoints to this conjecture, relying on theoretical-critical analysis and dialogue among thinkers such as Adorno (1971), Habermas (1992), Merleau-Ponty (1981), and Zuboff (2021), among others. The study explores concepts such as truth and reality in the context of surveillance capitalism, particularly articulating some foundations of the Theory of Communicative Action with analyses of empirical cases, such as the cycles of expropriation promoted by big techs, and the competency models proposed by Borges (2018). In conclusion, InfoCom Competencies, with certain conditions, in opposition to instrumental rationality, emerge as possibilities to decipher the traps of platforms and seek emancipations in both digital and face-to-face contexts based on their own functioning. It advocates for the integration of sociotechnical critique and reflective education as essential foundations for pedagogical actions in schools and the development of public policies that mitigate the asymmetries generated by hyperinformation. The article demonstrates that technology, when critically reappropriated, holds potential to promote equity, even amid the risks of an emerging neototalitarianism.