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<p>The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into digital platforms has transformed consumer psychology, positioning algorithms as active architects of desire and identity. This conceptual synthesis interrogates the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital platforms as both a reflector and distorter of human motivation. We propose that AI systems construct "algorithmic selves" by operationalizing fragmented behavioral data, a process we term the Algorithmic Extended Self (AES). This socio-technical process prioritizes corporate objectives over psychological coherence, leading to systemic distortions: "algorithmic alchemy" (the opaque transformation of data into motivational leverage within black-box systems) and "desire dysmorphia" (a failure in sensemaking where users struggle to distinguish authentic desires from algorithmically amplified impulses). Drawing on a synthesis of existential philosophy, consumer psychology, and cognitive systems literature, the paper critiques the quantified self-fallacy and examines the cognitive-work consequences of these mechanisms, such as volitional atrophy and identity fragmentation. Our framework bridges existential concerns with the analysis of recommendation algorithms, highlighting implications for the design of interactive systems. We argue for redefining motivational sovereignty and advocate for coherence-by-design frameworks to address algorithmic interpellation and the commodification of identity in digital capitalism. This work contributes to literature by connecting philosophical critiques of autonomy to concrete issues in human-technology interaction and cognitive work design.</p>

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The mirror of desires: AI as a reflection and distortion of consumer motivations in digital platforms

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月24日

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  • Nasser Bouchareb,
  • Hasnaoui Balbal,
  • Farouk Sahnoune,
  • Rafik Khelfi

摘要

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into digital platforms has transformed consumer psychology, positioning algorithms as active architects of desire and identity. This conceptual synthesis interrogates the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital platforms as both a reflector and distorter of human motivation. We propose that AI systems construct "algorithmic selves" by operationalizing fragmented behavioral data, a process we term the Algorithmic Extended Self (AES). This socio-technical process prioritizes corporate objectives over psychological coherence, leading to systemic distortions: "algorithmic alchemy" (the opaque transformation of data into motivational leverage within black-box systems) and "desire dysmorphia" (a failure in sensemaking where users struggle to distinguish authentic desires from algorithmically amplified impulses). Drawing on a synthesis of existential philosophy, consumer psychology, and cognitive systems literature, the paper critiques the quantified self-fallacy and examines the cognitive-work consequences of these mechanisms, such as volitional atrophy and identity fragmentation. Our framework bridges existential concerns with the analysis of recommendation algorithms, highlighting implications for the design of interactive systems. We argue for redefining motivational sovereignty and advocate for coherence-by-design frameworks to address algorithmic interpellation and the commodification of identity in digital capitalism. This work contributes to literature by connecting philosophical critiques of autonomy to concrete issues in human-technology interaction and cognitive work design.