New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

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

Nov 1, 2025

Dr. Muhammad Atique, a public administration scholar and founder of Atique Mindscape Publishing, delves into the profound effects of digital media and AI on our lives. He explores how algorithms personalize our online experiences while also fostering confirmation biases and information overload. Atique warns of the mental health impacts linked to constant connectivity and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking. Additionally, he discusses the evolving job landscape in the AI age and the role of podcasts as a space for deep listening amidst the noise.

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INSIGHT

Algorithms Shape Choices Through Repetition

Algorithms track our demographics and behavior to shape ads and recommendations across apps and sites.
Repeated exposure to recommended content nudges beliefs and choices through psychological repetition.

ADVICE

Question AI Recommendations Before Acting

Think critically before accepting AI-generated recommendations instead of blindly following them.
Ask whether a recommendation fits your values and needs before acting on it.

INSIGHT

Algorithms Amplify Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias can be amplified because algorithms reinforce existing preferences and demographic skews.
Algorithmic outputs inherit the biases present in data and design choices.

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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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