REIMAGINING HUMAN IDENTITY IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS: A DIGITAL HUMANISM PERSPECTIVE ON H.G.WELLS’ THE WAR OF THE WORLDS

Abstract

This study explores H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds (1897) through the lens of digital humanism as defined by  Martin Paul Eve and Jonathan Gray in Digital Humanities and Literary Studies (2022), analyzing how the novel critiques technological dominance, imperialism, and human fragility. Using a qualitative approach, this research examines how Wells anticipates contemporary debates on human personality, agency, and existence in an era of rapid technological convergence. The analysis focuses on the interplay between the Martians’ technological superiority and humanity’s struggle for identity and agency, bridging Victorian anxieties with contemporary concerns about technological progress and ethical innovation. By examining Martian technology as a symbol of imperialist, colonialist, and Social Darwinist ideologies, the study investigates its profound impact on human identity in the face of technological advancements. It further explores how the resilience of human existence, agency, and personality emerges under the pressures of technological dominance, offering insight into the broader implications of digital humanism. The collapse and reconstruction of societal norms in response to existential threats highlight the ways in which humanity reevaluates its place in the world, reshapes identity, and reclaims agency. Through close textual analysis, the paper argues that Wells presents a dualistic view of technology—both as an existential threat and a catalyst for human resilience. The Martian invasion serves as an allegory for colonial oppression and technological domination, mirroring contemporary ethical concerns surrounding technological advancements and ethical innovations .The findings suggest that The War of the Worlds offers a cautionary yet insightful reflection on the human condition, emphasizing that while technology may redefine human existence, it is ultimately human resilience and adaptability that determine survival. The study underscores Wells’ continued relevance in today’s world, highlighting the importance of ethical reflection, responsible innovation, and the preservation of human dignity in the digital age.