Andrea Venanzoni's 'Il trono oscuro' Explores Magic and Power in the Age of Algorithms

In a recent article on doppiozero, Alfredo Gatto and Anita Romanello discuss Andrea Venanzoni's book 'Il trono oscuro. Magia e potere nell'era degli algoritmi', originally published in 2022. The authors argue that while modern society views itself as rational and disenchanted, magical practices have not disappeared but have merely updated their vocabulary. They compare old oracles, which smelled of incense, to new ones with more effective interfaces but obscure terms of use. The book examines how algorithms, like ancient magic, anticipate desires and risks, guiding individuals along supposedly rational paths. The article suggests that the titans of Silicon Valley act as modern sorcerers, wielding power through opaque technological systems. The piece reflects on the persistence of magical thinking in contemporary culture, particularly within the realm of digital technology and data-driven decision-making.