Transform NOW 427. AI's Influence: Manipulation or Masterpiece?
Oct 30, 2025
Jacob Ward, a seasoned journalist and author of The Loop, explores the intricate relationship between AI and human behavior. He discusses how AI can manipulate our decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of corporate responsibility and ethical frameworks. Ward also warns about the dangers of addictive technology and the societal risks posed by normalizing gambling. Ultimately, he advocates for cognitive liberty and a proactive approach to reclaiming agency from predatory design. It's a thought-provoking conversation about the fine line between AI's benefits and its potential to exploit.
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Automatic Brain Drives Most Choices
- Human brains run many decisions on automatic, predictable
AI Amplifies Predictable Human Patterns
- AI can spot and amplify predictable human patterns to change behavior at scale.
- Markets will prefer designs that exploit fast thinking because that's more profitable.
Delegating Judgment Erodes Reflective Thinking
- Relying on AI for moral or creative judgments risks shrinking our slow-thinking capacities.
- Markets will reward primitive, habitual behavior over reflective, deliberative choices.
