Foreword

It is with great pleasure and a sense of profound intellectual engagement that I introduce “Epistemology of Obedience: The User’s Will in the Age of Algorithmic Grace”, a seminal scientific monograph that I believe will resonate deeply within academic and professional circles, and indeed, with any thoughtful reader grappling with the complexities of our digital age.

My first encounter with the esteemed author was at various scientific and professional conferences that gathered scholars and experts from across Europe and the globe. Our shared interest in combating contemporary security threats, particularly terrorism, a field central to my own scientific and professional pursuits, quickly forged a collaborative bond. This led to fruitful joint research across diverse yet interconnected scientific domains, all centred on critical aspects of security.

The topic explored by the author in this monograph, with its inherent interdisciplinarity, is genuinely captivating for a broad spectrum of scientists, experts, and a wider audience intrigued by the contemporary technologies and techniques that are inexorably shaping our future and re-framing our past and present. By delving into the epistemology of obedience, algorithmic will, and algorithmic grace, this study offers numerous original insights. Of particular significance is its compelling depiction of how military narratives are tailored for diverse audiences to maximise their impact on digital platforms and social networks.

This monograph is, in many respects, groundbreaking. It makes substantial contributions to scholarly and professional discourse, particularly through its introduction of the “epistemology of obedience” and the conceptual tools developed by the author. Her meticulous examination of algorithmic targeting and army recruitment strategies on social media platforms is brilliantly explained and illustrated, offering fresh perspectives on the intricate influence of social media algorithms on public perception and recruitment dynamics.

I consider this scientific work to be of immense importance for media and communication studies, as well as digital security, owing to its logical structure, meticulous organization, and detailed exploration of complex interdisciplinary concepts. A special contribution of this work lies in its undeniable potential to spark numerous scientific and professional discussions about the pervasive influence of algorithms on human daily life within digital environments. Ultimately, it prompts a critical examination of an individual’s true autonomy in reasoning and decision-making in the face of ever-present algorithmic forces.

I wholeheartedly endorse this scientific monograph. It tackles a timely and highly relevant contemporary issue, offering invaluable contributions to diverse scientific and professional fields. Beyond academia, its significance extends to the “ordinary” reader, raising crucial awareness about the realities of today’s digital landscape, how digital architectures, through fostering trust, emotional automation, and behavioural rituals, effectively manage user perception, decision-making, and identity.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tonći Prodan