Muhammad Atique, "Algorithmic Saga: Understanding Media, Culture, and Transformation in the AI Age" (Atique Mindscape Publishing, 2024)

Nov 1, 2025

Dr. Muhammad Atique, an expert in digital governance and author based in Auckland, delves into the multi-faceted influence of digital media and AI on society. He highlights how algorithms shape our choices and the dangers of reduced critical thinking due to reliance on AI recommendations. Atique discusses the pressing issues of privacy risks and the evolving job landscape driven by technology. He also explores the cultural shifts brought by digital media and emphasizes the importance of finding harmony between technology and personal well-being.

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ANECDOTE

Global Journey Shaped Media Perspective

Muhammad Atique recounts his journey from journalism in Pakistan to work in Houston, China, and New Zealand which shaped his interest in media change.
He links this personal path to the rapid evolution from newspapers to social media and AI over the past 20–25 years.

INSIGHT

Algorithms Turn Behavior Into Targeted Norms

Algorithms harvest our demographics, behaviors, and preferences to train models and target advertising across apps and sites.
Repeated exposure to recommended content steers choices and creates perceived norms through psychological reinforcement.

ADVICE

Critically Vet AI Recommendations

Think critically before accepting AI recommendations and avoid outsourcing all decision-making to machines.
Use AI outputs as aids, then apply your own judgment rather than blindly following generated suggestions.

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In an age when digital media permeates every aspect of our lives, understanding its influence is more critical than ever. Algorithmic Saga: Understanding Media, Culture, and Transformation in the AI Age (Atique Mindscape Publishing, 2025), serves as a compass, guiding readers through the complexities of our interconnected world. From the moment we wake to a flurry of notifications to the late-night scrolling that often accompanies our downtime, we find ourselves enmeshed in a digital landscape that shapes our perceptions, relationships, and routines. The journey ahead will illuminate the dual-edged nature of technology—its ability to connect and empower as well as its potential to isolate and overwhelm. By examining the algorithms that curate newsfeeds and the social media platforms that redefine communication, this book unpacks the intricacies of modern digital life. But beyond the challenges lie opportunities; this book also highlights the ways in which digital media fosters social activism and creative expression, showcasing the remarkable power of collective voices and innovative ideas. Whether digital natives or just beginning to explore this expansive realm, readers will be equipped by this exploration with insights and tools to navigate the digital age thoughtfully. Discover how to harness technology's potential, ensuring it enriches rather than diminishes our lives.

Guest: Dr. Muhammad Atique holds a PhD in Public Administration with a specialization in Digital Governance and has over fifteen years of combined experience in academia and media. He has published several peer-reviewed research articles on digital media, technology adoption, and governance. His teaching and research explore the intersection of technology, media culture, and societal transformation in the AI age. He is also the founder of Atique Mindscape Publishing, an imprint of Digital Vista Ventures LLC (USA), and is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Host: Dr. Michael LaMagna is the Information Literacy Program & Library Services Coordinator and Professor of Library Services at Delaware County Community College.

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