economic subpersonal
LAB
AUTISTIC SENSITIZATION
AUTISTIC SENSITIZATION OF THE WESTERN INDIVIDUAL AND THE WAR AGAINST THE SELF
Liviu Poenaru, Jan. 3, 2024
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Hypersensitivity in the Cybercapitalist Era
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Cybercapitalism has fundamentally transformed human behavior, values, and beliefs, cultivating a widespread hypersensitivity that parallels autistic traits, including sensory reactivity, emotional dysregulation, hyperfocus, and difficulties in navigating social interactions. Unlike autism spectrum conditions (ASC), where traits such as sensory reactivity and emotional dysregulation arise from inherent neuro- and psychodevelopmental differences that can be clinically assessed and monitored (Lord and al., 2018), the hypersensitivity cultivated under cybercapitalism originates from pervasive external pressures. These pressures are embedded in environments saturated with digital stimuli, algorithmic manipulation, and hyper-individualistic expectations. In contrast to ASC, which is understood within a medical and diagnostic framework, this hypersensitivity is normalized as part of modern life, making it difficult to detect or categorize within clinical paradigms.
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Continuous exposure to notifications, distractions, polarized narratives, emotionally charged content—often involving negative stimuli—addictive algorithms, and performance-driven metrics generates an artificially heightened state of reactivity. Such a condition is rarely acknowledged as pathological since it conforms to societal expectations of productivity and constant engagement. This normalization blurs the line between adaptation and maladaptation, leaving individuals vulnerable to stress, burnout, and emotional fragmentation without the frameworks needed to address these challenges effectively. Thus, the relentless bombardment of sensory and emotional stimuli, combined with performance-driven systems and hyper-individualistic ideologies, creates conditions in which these autistic-like traits emerge as adaptive responses to overwhelming demands.
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The work The West: An Autoimmune Disease? (Poenaru, 2024) likens the Western model of hyper-control, hyper-individualism, and consumerism to an autoimmune disorder, wherein a system turns against itself. Similarly, individuals navigating cybercapitalist systems experience a “war against the self”. Regarding autoimmune diseases, Maté (2022) notes:
Scleroderma is one of eighty related diseases classified as autoimmune, each representing a true civil war inside the body. Indeed, autoimmunity is equivalent to an attack by a person’s immune system against the very organism it should be defending (Maté, 2022, pp. 69-70).
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The war under examination is fueled by fragmented identities, societal pressures to achieve unattainable perfection, and the isolating effects of individualism, leading to a self so confused by its context that it turns defensively and disjointedly against itself. Such a dynamic is intensified by the commodification of hypersensitivity, which transforms emotional and sensory reactivity into lucrative markets. The perpetual state of self-conflict fosters psychological profiles that mirror autistic-like traits, such as heightened sensitivity, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties in sustaining coherent self-narratives, especially when these conflicting and artificial narratives are persistently molded by powerful external forces.
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This work explores the profound impact of cybercapitalism on human behavior, emotional regulation, and societal norms, arguing that the pervasive digital environment fosters hypersensitivity akin to autistic traits, such as heightened emotional reactivity, hyperfocus, and social navigation challenges. Unlike the neurodevelopmental origins of autism spectrum conditions, this hypersensitivity emerges from the external pressures of algorithmic manipulation, performance-driven metrics, and hyper-individualistic ideologies inherent in cybercapitalist systems. By examining these dynamics, the work situates the commodification of emotional reactivity as a central mechanism driving cycles of consumption, burnout, and self-alienation.
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The paths followed in this exploration are diverse and interconnected. First, it draws on interdisciplinary perspectives, including neurobiology, psychology, and cultural analysis, to unpack the mechanisms underlying this hypersensitivity. Second, it integrates critiques from thinkers such as Laurent Alexandre and Christopher Wylie, who highlight how technological systems intentionally cultivate traits that sustain engagement and profitability. Third, it leverages metaphors such as Poenaru’s depiction of the West as an autoimmune disease to frame the psycho-immunological dynamics of self-fragmentation. Finally, the work proposes actionable alternatives, advocating for a shift from the self-centered values perpetuated by cybercapitalism toward solidarity, collective care, and the ethical design of digital platforms.
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Mechanisms of Autistic-Like Traits in Cybercapitalism
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Cybercapitalism amplifies autistic-like traits by exploiting vulnerabilities in sensory, emotional, and cognitive systems, as well as leveraging neurobiological and psychological mechanisms. This exploitation leads to hypersensitization to specific stimuli, fostering increased engagement in digital consumption and production. Payne et al. (2019) explored potential links between cyber-dependent crime and autism, autistic-like traits, explicit social cognition, and perceived interpersonal support. The findings indicated that increased risk of committing cyber-dependent crime was associated with higher autistic-like traits, suggesting a complex interaction between digital environments and individuals exhibiting these traits. The connection between Payne et al.'s study and the thesis that cybercapitalism fosters autistic-like traits in otherwise neurotypical individuals lies in their shared focus on how digital environments may shape and exploit behaviors and traits. While we lack the space to fully explore the complex philosophical questions raised by the link highlighted by the authors, it is important to acknowledge this potential connection in relation to our thesis.
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Additionally, the concept of "limbic capitalism" (Courtwright, 2019) has been introduced to describe how modern capitalism leverages insights from neuroscience, particularly the limbic system, to manipulate consumer behavior and drive economic transactions. This practice involves engineering environments, behaviors, and economies that trap consumers in cycles of dependence and harm, highlighting the neurobiological manipulation inherent in cybercapitalism.
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The development of autistic-like traits in otherwise neurotypical individuals[1] under cybercapitalism can be analyzed through the lens of opponent process theory (Solomon & Corbit, 1974), a framework often used to explain addiction dynamics. This interdisciplinary model proposes that emotional responses to stimuli are interconnected events, counterbalanced by an opposing process designed to restore psychophysiological equilibrium, or homeostasis. In the digital context, the relentless exposure to emotionally charged content, notifications, and performance-driven metrics elicits immediate, often intense, emotional reactions. These reactions are followed by opposing processes—emotional dampening or desensitization (Krahé et al., 2011)—that become increasingly pronounced with repeated exposure. Over time, this dynamic can result in habituation, where individuals need increasingly intense stimulation to achieve the same emotional impact. It is highly likely that the digital industry is well aware of the need to combat desensitization to sustain profits, driving them to innovate continually in creating arousal-inducing stimuli.
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Simultaneously, and consistent with opponent process theory, the desensitization process contributes to a blunted affect, a defining characteristic of emotional dysregulation often associated with autistic-like traits. This cyclical interaction between heightened reactivity and subsequent desensitization reshapes emotional and cognitive landscapes, fostering bipolar patterns characterized by hyper-focus, rigid routines, and hypersensitivity to specific stimuli, juxtaposed with desensitization to others. By engineering environments that manipulate these processes, cybercapitalism not only exploits but actively fosters traits akin to those seen in autism, embedding them into the behaviors and psychological profiles of its users. This phenomenon underscores the profound impact of digital ecosystems on human cognition and emotion.
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The commodified hypersensitivity drives industries ranging from wellness apps to sensory-friendly products marketed as solutions to stress, paradoxically profiting from the very conditions they perpetuate. Thus, emotional dysregulation and hyperfocus are actively cultivated by cybercapitalism. Algorithms prioritize emotionally polarizing content, triggering cycles of outrage, envy, or euphoria, which destabilize emotional well-being.
These dynamics mirror the emotional intensity seen in autism, where regulation is a persistent challenge (Dell’Osso et al., 2023). Furthermore, internet and social media use, driven by addictive algorithms, fosters a range of compulsive behaviors. Among these is an obsessive focus on digital validation metrics, such as likes, shares, and followers, which parallels the concept of hyperfixation observed in autism. This dynamic traps individuals in repetitive loops of seeking external affirmation, mirroring the intense focus and repetitive patterns characteristic of hyperfixation. These behaviors closely align with the characteristics outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), which describes "restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities" as a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The commodification of this emotional intensity (Skurka, Robin, 2023). is evident in industries that profit not only from driving increased online engagement but also from offering “solutions” to the harm they produce. These solutions, such as mood-tracking apps and therapeutic technologies, further entrench emotional reactivity within perpetual cycles of consumption.
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Navigating social dynamics presents significant challenges in the era of cybercapitalism. Social media platforms intensify interactions by rendering every action visible, measurable, and open to public scrutiny, thereby amplifying social pressure. This fosters anxiety and self-consciousness, similar to the social difficulties faced by autistic individuals in decoding complex cues. Meanwhile, the pressure to curate and optimize digital personas fragments identity and creates alienation. This hyper-curation may be seen as a manifestation of self-fragmentation, exacerbated by industries that commodify identity management through personal branding tools, influencer training, and appearance-enhancing technologies.
[1] Neurotypical individuals are people whose neurological development and functioning align with what is considered the standard or typical range within a given society.
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Sensitization and Negative Stimuli
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Sensitization to certain stimuli is a complex process that integrates neurobiological, psychological, and contextual factors, setting it apart from habituation, where repeated exposure leads to a diminished response. Instead, sensitization amplifies reactions to repeated or intense stimuli, underscoring its significance in shaping behavioral and emotional dynamics. This process is underpinned by intricate interactions within the brain and nervous system, demonstrating how persistent or impactful stimuli can alter cognitive and emotional responses over time.
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It is essential to emphasize that humans are biologically programmed to prioritize negative stimuli, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by media platforms, particularly social networks. These platforms leverage this predisposition through algorithms designed to capture and sustain our attention by emphasizing the negative—bad emotions, harmful behaviors, and adverse comments consistently have a greater impact than their positive counterparts. Research supports this phenomenon, showing that negative information is processed more deeply and thoroughly than positive information (Baumeister et al., 2001).
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Furthermore, the visual system is inherently tuned to detect potentially dangerous, threatening, or frightening stimuli in the environment, responding to them automatically and involuntarily (Rozin & Royzman, 2001). This predisposition generates a perceptual bias that prioritizes negative stimuli, profoundly influencing how we perceive and engage with our surroundings. Within the digital landscape, this bias continuously reinforces psycho-neuro-biological mechanisms associated with the processing of negative stimuli, embedding these responses more deeply into our cognitive and emotional frameworks.
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At the strictly synaptic level, Squire and Kandel's hypothesis of plasticity suggests that synaptic strength—the capacity of an action potential in one neuron to excite or inhibit its target—is not fixed but malleable, modifiable by neuronal activity. They propose that learning induces lasting changes in synaptic strength by fostering the growth of new synapses, with these anatomical changes forming the basis of memory (Squire & Kandel, 2005). From a molecular biological perspective, Squire and Kandel demonstrate that memories are encoded at the neuronal level and rely on modifications in the strength of their interconnections.
These modifications appear to be shaped by the dynamics of the psychic economy and psycho-emotional investments, as exemplified in the realm of online engagement. Emotional polarization, a tactic employed by social networks based on scientific studies or internal corporate research, amplifies these dynamics. Repetition, as they remind us, makes memories more durable, while practice leads to improvement—principles foundational not only in learning but also in strategies like neuromarketing.
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In the context of sensitization and negative stimuli within cybercapitalism, these neurobiological principles acquire particular significance. Synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation, ensures that repeated exposure to specific stimuli—such as emotionally charged or fear-inducing content—reinforces and solidifies neuronal pathways. Repeated exposure, akin to the strategic repetition of advertisements or polarizing content, secures the dominance of certain neural connections in an internal "marketplace" of synaptic competition. These patterns, tied to cognitive processes such as perception, attention, motivation, and planning, as emphasized by Squire and Kandel, serve to anchor memories and behaviors more deeply. From a psychoanalytic perspective, this mirrors the economic investment of the libido, where psychic energy disproportionately gravitates toward particular stimuli.
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On a neurobiological level, sensitization is closely tied to synaptic plasticity, particularly through mechanisms like long-term potentiation (LTP). LTP strengthens synaptic connections in response to repeated neuronal activity, allowing the brain to adapt and enhance its responsiveness to specific stimuli. This process involves complex interactions within neural circuits, leading to sustained changes in synaptic efficacy that underlie learning and memory. Other studies have shown that LTP can produce a sustained expansion of synaptic structures, contributing to the long-term storage of information (Samavat et al., 2024).
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Additionally, neuromodulators play a crucial role in regulating long-term synaptic plasticity, influencing the induction and maintenance of LTP (Bazzari & Parri, 2019). These modulators can alter neuronal excitability and synaptic strength, thereby affecting the brain's ability to process and respond to repeated stimuli. Computational models have been developed to understand the dynamics of LTP and its role in memory maintenance (Helfer & Shultz, 2017). These models suggest that coupled feedback loops involving protein synthesis and receptor trafficking are essential for the persistence of synaptic changes associated with LTP.
Structures in the limbic system, such as the amygdala, play a central role in mediating this process. The amygdala, which governs emotional processing, interacts dynamically with the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Together, these structures create a network that encodes and triggers emotional and behavioral responses to repetitive or intense stimuli (Phan et al., 2002). This encoding process may drive heightened reactivity to emotionally charged events or experiences, as the brain prioritizes these stimuli for memory storage and future responses.
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Psychologically, sensitization is significantly influenced by emotional states, particularly fear, anxiety, and envy, which are often triggered by negative or threatening stimuli. These emotions amplify the sensitization process by enhancing the salience of the stimuli, making them more likely to evoke strong reactions in the future. Fear associated with a specific stimulus can create a conditioned response through repeated exposure, leading to an intensified reaction whenever the stimulus is encountered again. This mechanism is central to the development of emotional dysregulation seen in disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where sensitization to trauma-related cues leads to persistent and exaggerated emotional responses (Mahan, Ressler, 2012).
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Pavlovian conditioning (Pavlov, 1927/2010) further explains how sensitization develops, as repeated associations between a stimulus and an emotional response can create behavioral loops. If a stimulus reliably provokes envy or outrage, these emotions are reinforced through learning processes, ensuring that similar stimuli in the future will evoke the same reaction. Over time, this feedback loop intensifies emotional experiences, contributing to a heightened state of arousal and reactivity. The limbic system’s involvement in these dynamics ensures that emotionally charged stimuli are prioritized for both memory storage and behavioral adaptation.
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The environmental and cultural context also plays a critical role in moderating sensitization. Social and cultural norms influence which stimuli are perceived as significant and how they are interpreted emotionally. In a culture that emphasizes competition or achievement, stimuli related to success or failure may provoke stronger reactions and become more salient over time. Similarly, environments with high levels of stress or unpredictability can enhance sensitization, as individuals become increasingly reactive to cues associated with threats or challenges. These contextual factors shape the trajectory of sensitization, determining its intensity and its impact on emotional and behavioral patterns.
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Through these psycho-neuro-biological lenses, sensitization emerges as a fundamental process in understanding how repeated exposure to specific stimuli can reshape emotional and cognitive responses, driving heightened reactivity and influencing broader patterns of behavior. In cybercapitalism, the proliferation of digital stimuli, heightened emotional exposure, and the cultural emphasis on performance intensify sensitized responses. Constant notifications from social media create an artificial sense of urgency, intensifying reactions tied to the fear of missing out (FOMO), which serves as a paradigmatic example of the fear dynamic induced by the broader internet and social media landscape. Moreover, social and cultural norms shape perceptions of what constitutes an "appropriate" response. Sensitization often shifts from being an anomaly to a standard in environments that prioritize hyper-reactivity, perpetual connectivity, and negativity. This reinforces competitive and individualistic dynamics while positioning hypersensitivity as fertile ground for commercial strategies.
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Chronic stress, induced by sensory and emotional overload, can alter neural circuits and increase the reactivity of the limbic system, particularly the amygdala. This leads to heightened sensitization, where even minor stimuli can trigger disproportionate emotional responses. The constant stimulation of reward-related neural circuits, often exploited by marketing strategies and digital technologies, can cause long-term changes in synaptic plasticity. These changes reinforce gratification-seeking behaviors and increase sensitivity to associated stimuli.
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Additionally, social norms and expectations shaped by capitalism, such as valuing material success and individualism, can increase sensitivity to social and economic stimuli. Social comparisons, encouraged by social media, exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or desire, contributing to heightened emotional sensitization. The media play an important role in amplifying emotions and shaping perceptions. Sensationalist reporting, dramatic narratives, and idealized representations of life increase emotional reactivity, particularly among younger generations.
Links with Asperger Engineers in Silicon Valley
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The often-debated and anecdotal prevalence of autistic traits or Asperger syndrome among engineers in Silicon Valley highlights significant questions about the interaction between neurodiverse characteristics and the demands of modern capitalism, especially within high-pressure technological environments. Although this issue remains debatable, let us nevertheless propose some avenues for reflection based on general observations regarding the psychopathological effects of cybercapitalism.
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Steve Silberman published an article titled The Geek Syndrome in Wired on December 1, 2001. The piece explores the rising prevalence of autism and its milder variant, Asperger’s syndrome, among children in Silicon Valley. Nick’s case offers a poignant lens into the intersection of neurodiverse traits, creativity, and the challenges of social integration often associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), particularly Asperger’s syndrome. Nick’s ability to construct intricate, imaginative universes showcases the specialized interests and intense focus characteristic of individuals with ASD. However, this brilliance contrasts starkly with his difficulties in decoding social cues and forming peer connections, leaving him vulnerable to exclusion and bullying. His parents’ professions in software engineering and programming highlight a potential genetic predisposition to traits that thrive in technical and logical domains, further reinforcing the hypothesis that certain environments, such as Silicon Valley, may amplify these characteristics across generations.
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In 1997, a study by Baron-Cohen (2012) involving nearly 2,000 families in the U.K. revealed intriguing occupational patterns among parents and grandparents of children with autism. Among fathers, 12.5 percent of those with autistic children were engineers, compared with 5 percent of fathers of children without autism, while 21.2 percent of grandfathers of autistic children had been engineers, compared with 2.5 percent in the control group. The trend was evident on both sides of the family, as mothers of autistic children were more likely to have a father or marry someone whose father had been an engineer.
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Simon Baron-Cohen’s The Pattern Seekers: How Autism Drives Human Invention (2019) argues that human innovation is fundamentally rooted in a cognitive mechanism he terms the "systemizing mechanism," which enables individuals to discern and manipulate causal patterns using "if-and-then" logic. The book suggests that this mechanism is especially pronounced in "hyper-systemizers," a small subset of individuals, including those with autism, whose intense focus and pattern-seeking abilities have fueled inventions across disciplines. Baron-Cohen supports his thesis with evidence from neuroscience, archaeology, and animal behavior, although he controversially dismisses the systemizing potential of earlier hominids and animals, framing their behaviors as associative rather than cognitive. The author extends his argument to highlight the untapped potential of autistic individuals in modern society, emphasizing that their hyper-systemizing abilities can significantly contribute to innovation if supported and nurtured.
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Individuals with autistic traits or Asperger syndrome often have specialized interests and intense focus, which can make them particularly well-suited for technical fields requiring high concentration and expertise. Silicon Valley, with its demand for advanced engineering and software development, provides an environment where these traits are highly valued. Autistic individuals may have differing sensory responses, with some being hypersensitive and others hyposensitive. In the context of modern society’s sensory and emotional overload, these differences can make them either more or less sensitive to the intense technological environment of Silicon Valley. Structured work environments, such as those often found in tech companies, can benefit autistic individuals. Structure can help reduce stress and anxiety, unlike more chaotic and unpredictable environments.
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However, the high performance demands and constant pressure for innovation in Silicon Valley can create significant challenges. Stress management, which can be heightened by autistic traits, becomes important in such contexts. Modern capitalist culture often values individualism and personal excellence, aligning with some autistic traits such as independence and self-sufficiency. Tech companies may not only accept but also celebrate these traits due to their contributions to innovation and productivity. On the other hand, the pressure to consume and perform can be particularly taxing for autistic individuals, who may require routines and predictability to function optimally.
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The prominence of autistic individuals in Silicon Valley’s success narrative positions them as role models within hypercapitalist society, creating a dynamic where their unique cognitive and behavioral traits are idealized and emulated. As these individuals contribute to the development of algorithms and technological systems, their distinct ways of understanding and interacting with the world may inadvertently shape the logic embedded within these technologies. This algorithmic logic, in turn, is transmitted to broader society as a normative model, influencing how individuals engage with digital platforms, process information, and navigate social interactions. By reflecting the hyper-focused, structured, and performance-driven traits often associated with autism, these systems may amplify similar expectations across the user base, reinforcing a societal standard that prioritizes efficiency, predictability, and relentless productivity.
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Conscious Strategies in Digital Design: Insights from Alexandre and Wylie
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The concerns highlighted by Laurent Alexandre (author of La guerre des intelligences à l'heure de ChatGPT) and Christopher Wylie (author of Mindfck and a Meta whistleblower), alongside numerous other critics, shed light on the intentional cultivation of autistic-like and addictive traits in users to optimize online engagement. Their analyses expose the intricate and potentially damaging mechanisms underpinning digital technologies, revealing how these strategies reshape behavior and societal norms in pursuit of profit.
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Laurent Alexandre, in La guerre des intelligences à l'heure de ChatGPT, raises critical concerns about the transformative role of artificial intelligence and its implications for human cognition and societal structures. He argues that the increasing reliance on AI-driven technologies shapes user behavior in profound and potentially damaging ways. Alexandre contends that tech companies exploit psychological vulnerabilities by designing platforms that foster addictive behaviors, such as compulsive scrolling and hyper-focus. These traits, while superficially resembling autistic characteristics, are intentionally cultivated to maximize user engagement and, by extension, corporate profits. His work highlights the ethical dilemmas of creating systems that prioritize retention metrics over user well-being, emphasizing how this strategy risks eroding individual autonomy and mental health.
Alexandre's analysis also touches on the broader societal impact of these practices, suggesting that the algorithmic logic embedded in digital platforms could redefine social norms and values. By promoting rigid structures, repetitive interactions, and a relentless focus on productivity, these technologies may impose a dehumanizing framework onto daily life. Alexandre warns that such trends contribute to a cultural shift where human creativity and critical thinking are overshadowed by machine-led optimization.
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Christopher Wylie, author of Mindf*ck and a whistleblower from Meta, provides a firsthand account of how tech companies manipulate user behavior through sophisticated data-driven strategies. Wylie’s work exposes the mechanisms by which personal data is harvested, analyzed, and weaponized to shape user engagement and influence decision-making. He draws attention to the deliberate engineering of addictive and compulsive behaviors, highlighting how platforms exploit psychological principles like intermittent reinforcement to foster dependency. Wylie connects these practices to broader societal issues, including the erosion of privacy, the amplification of polarization, and the normalization of exploitative engagement strategies. His testimony offers a chilling perspective on how algorithmic systems are designed not just to capture attention but to reshape it in ways that align with corporate interests.
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Wylie extends his critique to the ethical and political ramifications of these technologies, arguing that their unchecked use represents a fundamental threat to democratic institutions and individual rights. He emphasizes that the intentional cultivation of behaviors mimicking autistic traits—such as hyper-focus and repetitive actions—is not merely an unintended side effect but a calculated decision to optimize platform engagement. By prioritizing profit over ethical considerations, tech companies perpetuate a model of digital interaction that undermines collective well-being.
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Alexandre and Wylie bring valuable insights into the intentional strategies employed by tech companies to maximize user engagement. However, their analyses primarily focus on the exploitative practices of algorithmic design and the psychological impact of digital platforms, rather than explicitly addressing an autistic-based logic imposed by cybercapitalism. Their work highlights how technologies are engineered to manipulate human behavior, fostering traits like hyper-focus and dependency, which may superficially resemble certain autistic characteristics.
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The systems they critique appear to embed principles of rigid structure, efficiency, and repetitive engagement into the fabric of societal norms. These patterns, often associated with the traits of neurodivergent individuals in Silicon Valley, might influence the logic of algorithmic systems. In turn, this logic, emphasizing predictability and optimization, is imposed upon users as a standard mode of interaction with technology. While Alexandre and Wylie do not explicitly theorize this connection, their observations on the deliberate cultivation of addictive and compulsive behaviors align with broader concerns about the societal normalization of such traits under hypercapitalist imperatives.
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The War Against the Self and the Neglect of Others
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The metaphor of The West as an Autoimmune Disease (Poenaru, 2024) offers an exploration of the psycho-immunological mechanisms underpinning the war against the self in contemporary society. This dynamic is fueled by the pervasive stress endemic to neoliberal capitalist systems, marked by relentless consumption, hyper-individualism, and the pressures of digital dependencies. At its core, chronic stress activates the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, flooding the system with cortisol and adrenaline, which, over time, disrupt immune functions and provoke a state of inflammation. This internal conflict mirrors the physiological processes of autoimmune diseases, where the body’s defense mechanisms mistakenly target its tissues. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) highlights the bidirectional links between psychological stress and immune system dysfunction, elucidating how emotional strain, driven by societal demands for perfection and control, creates conditions for both mental and physical degeneration.
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Jones and Gwenin (2020) highlight that prolonged elevation of cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone, disrupts the normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, compromising anti-inflammatory and immune responses. Elevated cortisol binds to immune cell receptors, triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This process not only contributes to inflammation and immune dysfunction but also leads to broader metabolic disturbances.
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Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) explores the intricate interactions between the mind, nervous system, and immune system, offering robust evidence of their dynamic interconnection (Yan, 2016). This field investigates how both acute and chronic stressors—such as psychological stress, trauma, and environmental factors—affect immune function. PNI focuses on the bidirectional communication pathways linking the brain and the immune system, emphasizing the roles of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and the central nervous system (CNS) in modulating immune responses. Researchers in this field also examine how psychological factors, including personality traits, coping mechanisms, social support, and mental health conditions, shape immune function and influence susceptibility to infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Additionally, PNI studies the neuroendocrine-immune interactions implicated in the development and progression of diseases such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and mental health disorders.
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From a psychological perspective, the stress induced by hyperconnectivity, social comparison, and digital manipulation exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and alienation, further destabilizing the self. “Non-self objects” (Poenaru, 2023, 2024) can be understood as external, imposed ideals and values—amplified by consumerist and digital environments—that conflict with authentic individual needs. These external intrusions foster fragmentation, as the individual becomes trapped in a cycle of overconsumption and unattainable societal expectations, leading to a profound war against their own identity. The resulting self-alienation and psychosomatic tension replicate autoimmune dynamics, where the body and psyche, overwhelmed by conflicting demands, turn inward destructively.
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Social media amplifies these conflicts by promoting unattainable standards of success, beauty, and performance, turning self-criticism into an industry. Individuals internalize these metrics, leading to chronic dissatisfaction and diminished self-esteem. Individuals become trapped in a pattern of self-monitoring and critiquing their digital personas, perpetuating ongoing cycles of self-criticism and consumption.
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This relentless focus on the self comes at the expense of care for others. As individuals are driven to compete, self-promote, and seek personal success, the bonds of solidarity and empathy that sustain collective well-being are eroded. Chronic stress exacerbates this isolation, fostering burnout and emotional exhaustion. Such a dynamic can be likened to autoimmune inflammation, where the body’s defense mechanisms mistakenly target its own tissues, disrupting equilibrium. In a similar way, society’s focus on individualism undermines the capacity for mutual support, leaving individuals to navigate their struggles in isolation.
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Prioritizing Solidarity and Care for Others
Tackling the dynamics of autistic-like sensitization and self-fragmentation requires a decisive break from the destructive hyper-individualism that pervades the self, societies, and the planet, fostering instead a framework rooted in solidarity and collective care. By prioritizing empathy, mutual support, and the well-being of others, societies can counteract the alienation and selfishness perpetuated by cybercapitalism.
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We often forget that acts of giving, sharing, and reaching out have a transformative power not only for those who receive but also for those who give. Far from being a mere loss or sacrifice, these gestures can profoundly elevate the self. By stepping outside the confines of individualism and engaging in a relationship of otherness, individuals discover their capacity to transcend their own limitations. Giving acknowledges the other as worthy of attention and effort, fostering a sense of fulfillment and connection. Sharing, in turn, reinforces the idea that resources, whether material or immaterial, gain their true value only when they circulate and benefit a community. Reaching out establishes a dynamic where shared vulnerability becomes a collective strength. These actions, though altruistic in appearance, resonate deeply in identity formation, redefining the self not as an isolated entity but as a relational node within a social and human network.
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Ethical technological design must prioritize collective care over individual optimization and success. Platforms should reduce features that encourage self-comparison and instead foster environments that promote meaningful interaction and mutual support. Public awareness campaigns can play a vital role in shifting cultural narratives, emphasizing the importance of collective resilience over self-centered goals.
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The autistic-like traits fostered by cybercapitalism—heightened sensitivity, emotional dysregulation, and social navigation challenges—highlight the profound psychological toll of digital environments. These traits, while adaptive in some contexts, are commodified and exploited to sustain engagement and consumption, driving individuals into cycles of overstimulation, burnout, and self-alienation. The metaphor of the West as an autoimmune disease underscores the need to shift from a focus on individualism and self-interest to one of solidarity and care for others. By recognizing the systemic roots of these challenges and prioritizing collective well-being, individuals and societies can transform hypersensitivity from a source of alienation into an opportunity for connection, resilience, and empowerment.
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Limits
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The methodology employed in this exploration of Autistic Sensitization of the Western Individual is primarily interdisciplinary, integrating insights from psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and cultural studies to articulate the pervasive effects of cybercapitalism on human hypersensitivity. The work draws on existing research, such as psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and studies of neuroplasticity, to ground its claims about the biological and psychological mechanisms underpinning the autistic-like traits cultivated by hyper-stimulating digital environments. It also incorporates philosophical frameworks and metaphors, such as Poenaru’s depiction of the West as an autoimmune disease, to contextualize the psycho-social dynamics of self-fragmentation and alienation.
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Despite its compelling arguments, this methodology has inherent limitations that necessitate further scientific and philosophical inquiry. The analysis largely relies on some existing theoretical constructs and metaphorical analogies rather than direct empirical research, leaving gaps in the causal pathways between cybercapitalism and the emergence of autistic-like traits. The interdisciplinary approach, while innovative, risks oversimplifying complex phenomena by conflating disparate fields without sufficient methodological rigor to validate its claims.
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Furthermore, some of the philosophical hypotheses presented, such as the metaphor of societal autoimmunity or the commodification of emotional dysregulation, are inherently challenging to model within a quantitative framework. These hypotheses rely on hypothetico-deductive reasoning, advancing through the construction and validation using theoretical triangulation and the use of qualitative research methodologies rather than empirical measurements. This approach emphasizes synthesizing insights from multiple theoretical frameworks and rich, context-dependent data to establish coherence and robustness, compensating for the challenges of direct empirical testing in complex, multifaceted phenomena. Such an approach, while valuable for exploring complex and emergent phenomena, necessitates careful articulation to ensure its coherence and applicability.
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The lack of systematic epidemiological studies addressing the autistic-like psychological and neurobiological effects of cybercapitalism represents a significant gap in contemporary research. Nevertheless, a substantial body of literature exists on the health impacts of internet use and social media, offering valuable insights. These studies delve, as suggested above, into various aspects, including the effects of digital platforms on mental health, cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and social interactions. This research provides a foundation for developing a more focused understanding of the broader implications of cybercapitalism and its influence on human behavior and neuropsychological functioning.
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Future research should prioritize longitudinal and epidemiological investigations to examine the prevalence and implications of hypersensitivity and emotional dysregulation in digital environments. These studies could integrate neuroimaging, behavioral data, and sociocultural analysis to delineate the specific contributions of cybercapitalism to these phenomena. Additionally, philosophical inquiry could critically examine the moral, ethical, and conceptual implications of these trends, ensuring that the hypothetico-deductive advancements align with broader frameworks promoting collective well-being over individual consumption.
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