Book Review: Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI

Yuval Noah Harari, in his book Nexus, delves into how the evolution of technology has changed the fundamentals of human existence. Harari says technology is not just a tool that humans have created, but an active force that shapes human societies, communication systems, and even our consciousness. The book explores the relationship between humans and information throughout history, starting from ancient myths to present-day artificial intelligence (AI).

In this book, Harari narrates how information networks have always shaped human societies by connecting people and boosting advancements—be it in the form of religious texts, political agendas, or digital algorithms. Throughout history, key technological milestones such as the Agricultural Revolution, the Cognitive Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution have driven humanity to new stages of power and societal organization. Harari believes that these advancements are not just responses to human needs, but also act as agents that move societies forward. These eventually help reshape relationships, environments, and even the way humans think or act. However, he also warns that today’s rapid advancements in AI can pose unprecedented existential threats. Harari explores how the exchange of information can shape truth, power, and the future of humanity. With the help of historical analysis and contemporary insights, he showcases the power of information.

History has its examples where people have used information to create stories to shape realities. In a modern-day context, this can sound like ‘reel vs real.’ Such ‘refurbished information’ can sometimes be for good, but often creates manipulation. The book starts by examining humanity’s long history of creating information networks—for example, the role of religious texts, myths/taboos, and bureaucratic systems in connecting people and shaping societies. These networks have allowed humans to cooperate on a mass scale. As the saying goes, ‘communication is the key to success.’ The same applies when it comes to our evolutionary success. But on the other hand, information can sometimes be moulded and misused. To explain this further, Harari says that information is not synonymous with truth.

Humans have been using narratives since ancient times to create meaning in life and promote communication. From religious texts such as manuscripts to political ideologies like communism, narratives have shaped human behaviour by connecting people with similar beliefs. Harari outlines the importance of such stories in organizing societies. For example, our old teaching system—the gurukul—where learning was done through storytelling and narratives. The author also emphasizes that these narratives include self-correcting mechanisms. He gives the example of amendments in modern democracies, which help societies adapt to changing times. Without such mechanisms, societies can become rigid and oppressive. He compares the inclusion of change in democracies with authoritarian regimes, where it is all about one-man rule. Harari draws a comparison between democratic information networks and dictatorial ones. The former thrives on debate and correction, while the latter promotes controlled information and rigidity. To give a wider perspective, Harari reflects on the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He explores how political campaigns used data mining and psychographic profiling to create personalized ads that played on voters’ emotions, thus influencing the final electoral outcomes. The key issue lies in whether humans still possess the will in an era where algorithms make decisions for us. This calls for an ethical restructure. The loss of free will, along with the ethical concerns about the potential for manipulation, needs a serious rethinking of how data and algorithms should be used in society.
He further argues that if algorithms can shape, predict, and even manipulate our behaviours, then they could ultimately strip us of our originality and basic human rights. The ethical implications of AI’s role do not stay limited to how this can shape human decisions but also go beyond individual cases. This can even create challenges to the very notion of freedom and autonomy in a technologically driven world.
As the first major leap in human information networks came with the invention of documents, this allowed for more complex bureaucratic systems. Harari highlights the role of these early bureaucracies in shaping civilisations. He also compares them to today’s AI-driven information systems. He highlights how AI is reshaping the way societies function. However, AI has the potential to make autonomous decisions, but documents do not. This can raise serious concerns about inequality, micro-surveillance and even control. Harari warns that AI could affect democracy, promote misinformation and even lead to digital totalitarianism in extreme cases.
Today, the rapid evolution of technology, especially with the rise of automation powered by artificial intelligence (AI), has led to the risk of losing one’s identity. With digital advancements, new threats such as digital footprints and micro-surveillance in the name of KYC have arisen. In this digital era there is no such information about us which has not been shared digitally. For the most part these pieces of information are being used for our safety, but there are several incidents where such data has been misused. To add to this, with AI feeding on our digital data, digital scams have risen. You can also consider the cases of identity theft and deepfake videos. It has also resulted in widespread anxiety regarding job displacement.

Harari draws a comparison between the fear felt by workers during the Industrial Revolution and the modern-day fears of workers whose jobs could be at risk due to AI and automation. This fear, however, focuses not only on economic survival but also connects to the psychological aspect of humans. He shows the example of the Luddites from the 19th century who feared the loss of their social identity and sense of purpose. All thanks to the rise of machines and the birth of modern-day workers, who now share a similar dread about becoming useless or stagnant. As machines continue to take over tasks usually performed by humans, society needs to confront not only the economic challenges of automation but also the existential crisis it has high chances of creating.

Moving on, this dilemma forces humans to redefine their relationship with work and productivity, thus raising essential questions such as the role of humans in a future dominated by machines. He gives the example of Facebook’s role in spreading misinformation during the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. Harari explains that during this ‘digital war’ algorithms fuelled hate, resulting in violence. AI is revolutionising the way societies function, just like the early Industrial Revolution transformed economies. However, Harari also shows concern about the speed of this transformation and its impact on human democracy. He also adds on the impact of AI on human autonomy. He warns of an AI-driven surveillance state, where governments and corporations can monitor citizens at all times through algorithms that predict and manipulate behaviour. This is compared with the way early dictatorships controlled information. This was the key to maintaining power during those times.

He further warns that self-driving cars, autonomous weapons, and algorithms that govern financial and legal decisions all present ethical challenges. He says these must be addressed. Harari highlights that societies need to create transparent systems, prioritising human welfare. He also highlights the risk of creating a “useless class” of people displaced by automation, thus raising questions about our life’s purpose and its meaning in a world dominated by machines.

As we continue to be dominated by machines and artificial intelligence, Harari explores the fundamental question: ‘What is the role of a human?’ in this society. One of the most pressing concerns in Nexus is the growing influence of algorithms and data-driven systems in shaping human behaviour and decision-making. Harari paints a chilling picture of a world where algorithms not only predict and manipulate human actions but also serve as unseen forces guiding choices in everything from politics to consumer behaviour. With machines capable of outperforming humans in many fields, the meaning of human identity and the purpose of life are being called into question. Harari writes about potential future developments, such as digital footprints, genetic modification, and AI-powered neuro devices. All these developments have the power to impact human identity.

However, he also warns that these advancements in technology can promote inequality and create greater divides between those who have access to such technologies and those who do not. This means that humans deprived of high-tech facilities might become victims and face unfair treatment. Harari also urges us to focus on the ethical and moral dilemmas posed by advancements in genetic modification and bioengineering. For example, the advent of technologies such as CRISPR and the possibility of designing genetically modified humans. In simple words, the creation of a high-tech and advanced human is no longer confined to the realm of science fiction we usually see on screen or in films.

In a nutshell, Harari’s call to action is for humanity to find a balance between technological progress and the preservation of values. This is what makes us human. We have the power to judge and balance between the good and the bad. From building relationships to expressing creativity, we can create a meaningful life that coexists with technology and the natural world.