Disruptors Brendan Kane On Why Social Media Could Become a Weapon of Mass Destruction
Jan 9, 2026
Brendan Kane, a growth strategist and social media expert, shares his insights into the complex world of social media algorithms and personal branding. He discusses how these algorithms are manipulated to keep users engaged and the ethical concerns around AI-generated content. Brendan emphasizes the power of storytelling and the potential dangers of deepfakes, calling for stricter oversight. He also highlights the importance of choosing the right content format and staying authentic in a landscape dominated by negativity.
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Algorithms Are Designed To Capture Attention
- Algorithms are built to keep people on platforms longer so companies can serve more ads.
- Platforms use behavioral psychology and variable rewards to train addiction and engagement.
It’s Not Eavesdropping — It’s Predictive Mapping
- Phones likely aren't secretly listening to conversations to serve ads; platforms infer behavior from vast data signals.
- Data scientists map behavior so well that apparent coincidences are actually pattern-driven targeting.
Social Media Is Storytelling At Scale
- Social media is storytelling at scale and repeats older human patterns centered on survival and fear.
- Democratized distribution lets anyone reach millions, amplifying both good and bad stories.
