Technolatry and Virtual Emotions in the Era of Digital Brutalism

Understanding the proliferation of Cybercrimes in Modern Brazil

Abstract

In modern Brazil, technology has shifted from a tool of progress to an object of near-religious reverence what Achille Mbembe calls Technolatry. This uncritical veneration fosters dependence and shapes virtual emotions tied to digital life. Brazil's rise in cybercrimes reflects a legacy of colonial algorithmic exploitation, data surveillance, and the weaponization of online anonymity. This study explores the symbiotic relationship between technology and crime, revealing how Brazil’s socio-political landscape is being redefined. By examining this digital transformation through a sociological lens, I aim to highlight the broader political and societal impacts, offering a case study that encapsulates this complex dynamic.