A Posthumanist Analysis of Human Cognitive Transformations Through Artificial Intelligence in the Netflix Series Better Than Us
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Rapid technological advancement in the twenty-first century has resulted in alteration of s the relationships between humans and machines which further results in reshaping perceptions of cognition. In the current era, artificial intelligence is progressing in various domains blurring the boundaries between human and technology and reshaping the perceptions of cognition, consciousness and identity. The series Better than us explores the themes of artificial consciousness, human dependence on technology and reconfiguration of emotional and cognitive capacities. A number of studies have examined Artificial intelligence in literature, films and dramas, however limited research has explored the cognitive impacts of human dependence on artificial intelligence in the series Better Than US. Thereby using Catherin Belsey’s textual analysis model under the broader umbrella of Hayles post humanist theory the current Study aims to explore the representation of cognitive transformations in humans through artificial intelligence in the series Better Than US. The findings of the study reveal that the series Better Than Us presents artificial intelligence as a transformative force which reshapes human ethical cognition. The series transform the traditional assumption that moral judgment and authority belong exclusively to humans. The character representation of Arisa demonstrates the role of AI systems in decision making, legal interpretation, and protective actions. This results in a redistribution of ethical responsibility between humans and intelligent machine. The analysis further elucidates that human characters gradually begin to negotiate morality within technologically mediated environments where machine reasoning influences social and institutional structures. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Human-Machine relations, Posthumanism, Better Than Us.
Authors: Juvaria Rabbani, Dr. Sadia Siddiq
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222912658
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