In Against Identity, heralded as “a superb critique of contemporary self-obsession” by Steven Poole of The Guardian, Douglas shows how three philosophers from very different eras – Zhuangzi, Benedict de Spinoza and post-modern philosopher Rene Girard – arrive at a similar idea: our longing for a sense of self can never be adequately filled and, worse, our attempts to be our true selves are to blame for much of the misery we face as individuals and societies. In Girard’s terms, to pursue identity is to practice mimetic desire, an ultimately hopeless routine of longing and imitation that necessarily leads to envy and rivalry.

How does this perspective change how we view our digital lives? How much of what we do online is in service of identity, and is this a blind spot in our attempts to think critically about the impact of social media and Big Tech? What to make of the range of expressions of identity online, from meme-sharing subcultures to influencers and AI companions? What form of online culture, if any, would facilitate escaping the self?

To help grapple with some of these questions, Douglas will be joined by respondents Mela Miekus and Jernej Markelj. Following the talks there will be an audience Q&A and roundtable discussion, led by moderators Geert Lovink and Michael Stevenson.