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Are Algorithms Controlling Your Mind?
Jan 27, 2025
Sandra Matz, a computational social scientist and professor at Columbia University, reveals how algorithms deeply influence our thoughts and behaviors. She discusses the power of psychological targeting, explaining how our online actions shape insights into our personalities. Matz highlights the potential dangers of data privacy, warning about the misuse of personal information. She also introduces the MyData concept, advocating for individuals to take control of their own data to empower themselves and contribute positively to society.
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Quick takeaways
- Algorithms invade our privacy by creating detailed psychological profiles that can predict our behaviors better than those nearest to us.
- Despite concerns, psychological targeting can be repurposed to promote healthier behaviors and foster understanding across diverse perspectives.
Deep dives
The Concept of the Digital Village
The idea of the 'digital village' illustrates how individuals are constantly monitored and influenced in the online space, much like the close-knit communities of the past. Algorithms act as digital neighbors, collecting and analyzing vast amounts of personal data, which can provide insights as intimate as those gleaned from real-life interactions. This process, referred to as psychological targeting, raises concerns about privacy and autonomy as algorithms shape choices and perceptions without transparency. Such targeting can lead to manipulation and exploitation, impacting job opportunities and financial access based purely on algorithmic assessments of one's behavior.
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