The Disturbing Effects of Persuasive Technology on Society

📱The business model of technology companies is to keep people engaged, creating an asymmetry of power.

🔮AI can predict and influence human behavior with alarming accuracy, even without explicit user data.

🌐The internet has become a breeding ground for polarization and tribalism, fueled by algorithms that prioritize attention.

💔The impact of persuasive technology on mental health is severe, especially among young people.

🌍The effects of persuasive technology extend beyond personal lives, influencing elections and societal discourse.

How does persuasive technology create an asymmetry of power?

—Persuasive technology manipulates user behavior and predicts their actions, giving technology companies more power and control over individuals.

How accurate are AI predictions without explicit user data?

—AI can accurately predict various aspects of human behavior, such as political affiliation, pregnancy, and emotional reactions, by analyzing subtle cues and patterns.

Why does persuasive technology contribute to polarization and tribalism?

—The algorithmic focus on engagement prioritizes simplistic and polarizing content, leading to echo chambers and the spread of extreme viewpoints.

What is the impact of persuasive technology on mental health?

—Persuasive technology, with its addictive qualities and emphasis on social validation, has contributed to a decline in mental health, particularly among young people.

How does persuasive technology affect society beyond individual lives?

—Persuasive technology influences elections, shapes public discourse, and impacts societal attitudes and behaviors.

00:00The business model of technology companies is to keep people engaged, creating an asymmetry of power.

02:42Persuasive technology manipulates user behavior and predicts their actions, giving technology companies more power and control over individuals.

06:00AI can accurately predict various aspects of human behavior, such as political affiliation and emotional reactions, by analyzing subtle cues and patterns.

09:18The algorithmic focus on engagement prioritizes simplistic and polarizing content, leading to echo chambers and the spread of extreme viewpoints.

10:32Persuasive technology, with its addictive qualities and emphasis on social validation, has contributed to a decline in mental health, particularly among young people.

13:30Persuasive technology influences elections, shapes public discourse, and impacts societal attitudes and behaviors.