The Next Big Idea Daily You're Being Manipulated. Here's How to Fight Back.
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Oct 2, 2025 In this captivating discussion, Cass Sunstein, a Harvard Law professor and author of Manipulation, delves into the pervasive nature of manipulation in daily life. He reveals how covert influences, like 'sludge'—barriers that complicate exiting services—erode personal autonomy. Sunstein argues for legal rights against these manipulations and introduces the 'Barbie' problem, highlighting how social pressures lead consumers to purchase items they might regret. This insightful conversation uncovers the subtle tactics that drive harmful consumption and explores ways to resist them.
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Manipulation As Covert Interference
- Manipulation is covert influence that prevents reflective, deliberative choice.
- It compromises people's agency by hijacking emotions and bypassing reflection.
Sludge: Friction That Traps People
- Sludge are barriers and burdens that make it hard to do what you want and trap you in bad arrangements.
- Easy in, hard out designs manipulate people through administrative friction.
Create A Right Not To Be Manipulated
- Regulators should challenge manipulative practices and define the worst forms of manipulation.
- Establish a legal right not to be manipulated to protect people's time and money.
