Through an epistemological lens, this article asserts that the dawn of the internet of data (IoD) era marks a profound shift in our understanding of human existence, one that challenges the notion of modern man as a singular and distinct entity. Delving deeper, the analysis presents an ontological exploration of the transition from a human-centric approach of the 19th and 20th centuries to the added-value man of the 21st century, examining the ideological underpinnings of concepts such as the Information Society and Society 5.0 respectively as representatives of the above two insights. In particular, the article meticulously dissects the stance of each approach towards humanity, highlighting the paradigm shift in our perception of the human experience. This piece offers an insightful commentary on the evolution of our understanding of human nature, encouraging us to rethink our place in the rapidly changing digital landscape.
