In many past science fiction novels, technology is an extension of the human will. The threat posed by technology is ultimately that of the human will, and human soul. Super computers, androids, weapons of mass destruction, measure the boundaries of human nature, and shed light on the dark regions of the human will. How far can humans go without losing their humanity? Until now, explorations into the technological future have grappled with this question. At the center of this subject ultimately lies human agency.

However, in reality a different phenomenon is occurring. From recommendation algorithms to text and image generating AI – both research and development are leading us in a direction that puts human agency at risk. There is a danger of human agency disappearing from the realm of technology. And if that happens, what then will be left?

Umé Records presents the album “Beyond” by Toyama, Japan’s Virtual Debris.