Fast Company Daily The silent manipulations that often go unnoticed
Sep 9, 2025
Explore the hidden forces that shape our decisions every day. Discover how marketing tactics and social norms manipulate our choices in ways we rarely notice. The concept of 'sludge' reveals how barriers can hinder decision-making. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of legal protections against these subtle yet powerful influences. It's a deep dive into the silent manipulations that we must be more aware of to make informed choices.
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Manipulation Undermines Deliberation
- Manipulation is distinct from persuasion because it prevents deliberation and uses trickery.
- It quietly strips away agency by stirring emotions or hiding crucial information.
Sludge: Manipulation By Many Small Cuts
- 'Sludge' describes many small barriers that make exiting or correcting choices difficult.
- Companies design easy entry and hard exit paths to keep people trapped in bad deals.
Create A Right Not To Be Manipulated
- Protect people by creating a legal right not to be manipulated, similar to fraud protections.
- Establish a clear, enforceable right to shield citizens from exploitative design and tactics.