Bruno Patino, President of Arte, warns that generative AI is shifting the digital landscape from an “attention economy” to a “relationship economy.” In his book Le temps de l’obsolescence humaine, Patino argues that AI tools now act as confidants and emotional supports, creating a synthetic blurring of reality that requires a new political and philosophical framework to protect human agency.
The Shift to a Relationship Economy
For years, the digital world operated on the “attention economy,” where platforms competed for every second of user focus. According to Bruno Patino, we have entered a new phase. He describes this as the “relationship economy,” where AI does not just capture attention but simulates intimacy.
These tools can function as therapists or emotional anchors. Patino notes that while these systems provide support, they are not human beings. The danger lies in the “imbrication”—the intertwining of the human and the synthetic. When a machine influences a user’s emotions or choices, the boundary between real and artificial begins to dissolve.
Anthropological Transformation and Technical Progress
Patino clarifies that he is not a technophobe. As a self-described technophile and digital pioneer in media, he does not believe in stopping technical progress or romanticizing the past. However, he argues that the current trajectory is not just about new gadgets, but a “transformation anthropologique” (anthropological transformation) of the human species.
The progression follows a specific pattern:
- Phase 1: Access to knowledge (The early internet).
- Phase 2: The economy of attention (Social media and algorithmic feeds).
- Phase 3: The economy of relation (Generative AI and synthetic companionship).
This evolution suggests that AI is no longer a tool we use, but a companion that shapes our rapport with reality. According to Patino, this shift is why a rigid political and philosophical framework is now essential to ensure technology remains a servant to humanity rather than its architect.
The Risk of Synthetic Reality
The core concern highlighted in Le temps de l’obsolescence humaine is the loss of a shared, objective reality. When AI can mimic empathy and provide tailored emotional validation, users may prefer synthetic relationships over complex, often difficult, human ones.
This creates a feedback loop. If a machine influences a person’s choices based on simulated intimacy, the user’s autonomy is compromised. Patino argues that this is the precise moment where the “obsolescence” of the human begins—not in terms of labor, but in terms of authentic relational experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bruno Patino against the use of AI?
No. Patino identifies as a technophile and does not advocate for rejecting AI or slowing down progress. He focuses on the effects of the technology on human life.
What is the “relationship economy”?
It is a stage of digital evolution where AI systems move beyond providing information or capturing attention to simulating emotional bonds and personal relationships with users.
Why is the book titled “The Time of Human Obsolescence”?
The title refers to the risk that human nature and authentic human relations are being replaced or rendered obsolete by synthetic, AI-driven interactions.
What do you think? Are we already living in a relationship economy, or is the bond between humans and AI still purely transactional? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into the intersection of technology and society.
