The device you’re using right now is more than just a tool; it’s a master of psychological tricks that influences you daily. Many people have become aware of this, especially after watching “The Social Dilemma,” a Netflix documentary that delves into the consequences of our increasing reliance on social media. This documentary highlights the psychological manipulation employed by tech companies and how online information can shape our real-life actions. It reminded me of a similar documentary I produced two years ago called “Attention Wars,” in collaboration with Screen Australia and PBS.
If “The Social Dilemma” left you uneasy, prepare yourself, because the impact of technology and social media on our psychology and society is even more profound than you might think. This episode is sponsored by CuriosityStream in partnership with Nebula, a creator-owned streaming service.
Numerous studies suggest that social media can lead to feelings of sadness or depression, often stemming from comparisons with others’ seemingly perfect lives or a fear of missing out. However, there’s more to our emotional experiences than just these factors. Tech companies have developed tools to assess your emotions; for example, they analyze the words you use and your typing speed to gauge your emotional state. Your phone’s accelerometer tracks its movement, and the microphone can pick up background noise, all contributing to a comprehensive picture of your emotional well-being.
When you use platforms like Facebook or YouTube, an underlying artificial intelligence is at work, determining what content will keep you engaged. This process is known as mood targeting. Major publications like The New York Times, ESPN, and USA Today have ad products that claim to use AI to predict emotional responses to content and match ads accordingly. However, Facebook took this concept in an ethically questionable direction in 2014 during what became known as the “Facebook Experiment.” They experimented with over 600,000 users to see if moods could be influenced online, discovering that emotions expressed by others on the platform could indeed affect our own feelings.
The publication of this experiment’s results sparked ethical debates, particularly about inducing sadness in a population that likely included individuals at risk of depression or suicide. A few years later, a leaked document revealed that Facebook had been collecting data on the emotional states of millions of young people to identify moments when they might need a confidence boost.
Beyond Facebook, there are numerous patents for emotion-sensing technology, some of which are quite concerning. While this directly monetizes our emotions and attention, other forms of manipulation are more subtle, stemming from our reliance on technology. This can lead to a phenomenon known as “distraction sickness,” where we struggle to maintain focus on a single task. A survey indicated that the percentage of American adults reading literature fell to a three-decade low in 2015, attributed to the increasing number of platforms vying for our attention.
The downside of distraction sickness is that our attention becomes fragmented, preventing us from experiencing boredom, which can actually foster creativity and mental health. The real question is whether technology can change our behavior over time to the extent that it alters who we are as individuals.
While the impact of social media and technology can be alarming, it’s important to acknowledge that many of us, including myself, have benefited from these platforms. The same methods that make apps addictive can also be harnessed for positive outcomes, such as learning new languages or engaging with educational content.
When discussing solutions, simply deleting accounts isn’t always effective. Many solutions involve personal steps, like turning off push notifications or reducing time spent on distracting apps. Others argue that the companies behind social media should be held accountable, suggesting that internet services be treated like public utilities.
There isn’t a perfect solution, but there is a consensus that change is necessary. We often look back and wonder how we allowed ourselves to become so absorbed in our screens, neglecting our well-being and relationships. However, I believe we have the capacity to learn and improve.
For those seeking to change their behavior and reduce distractions, I have advice available in my new series on Nebula, a platform created by YouTube creators. My series, “Questionable Advice,” was made with the support of CuriosityStream, which offers thousands of documentaries and non-fiction titles. They are providing BrainCraft viewers with free access to Nebula when you sign up at curiositystream.com/braincraft. This offer includes access to a wealth of educational content, so be sure to check it out.
Engage in a group discussion to explore the ethical concerns surrounding mood targeting by social media platforms. Consider the implications of the “Facebook Experiment” and discuss whether such practices should be regulated. Reflect on how these practices might affect users’ mental health and privacy.
Conduct a self-audit of your technology usage over a week. Track the time spent on various apps and websites, and note any emotional responses or distractions experienced. Share your findings with classmates and discuss strategies for reducing negative impacts.
Work in teams to create a campaign that promotes responsible technology use among university students. Develop materials that highlight the psychological effects of social media and propose actionable steps for healthier digital habits.
Research current emotion-sensing technologies and their applications. Prepare a presentation that covers the potential benefits and risks of these technologies, and propose guidelines for ethical use. Discuss how these technologies might evolve in the future.
Investigate the relationship between boredom and creativity by conducting a small experiment. Spend a set amount of time each day without digital distractions and engage in a creative activity. Document your experiences and share insights on how reducing distractions can foster creativity.
The device you’re using right now to watch this video plays psychological tricks on you every single day. Many of you are aware of this, especially with the recent discussions around “The Social Dilemma,” a Netflix documentary that explores the consequences of our growing dependence on social media. I came across a news clip stating that this documentary unveils the psychological manipulation used by tech companies, highlighting how online information may influence our actions in real life. It reminded me that I created a similar documentary two years ago called “Attention Wars,” produced with Screen Australia and PBS.
If you found “The Social Dilemma” disturbing, brace yourself, because the impact of technology and social media on our psychology and society runs much deeper than you might expect. This episode is sponsored by CuriosityStream in partnership with Nebula, a creator-owned streaming service.
There are numerous reports indicating that social media can lead to feelings of sadness or depression, often due to comparisons with others’ seemingly perfect lives or a fear of missing out. However, there may be more to our emotional experiences than just that. Tech companies utilize various tools to gauge how you feel; for instance, the words you use and your typing speed can be analyzed to assess your emotional state. The accelerometer in your phone tracks its movement, while the microphone can pick up background noise, all contributing to a picture of your emotional well-being.
When you use platforms like Facebook or YouTube, there’s an underlying artificial intelligence working to determine what content will keep you engaged. This process is known as mood targeting. Major publications like The New York Times, ESPN, and USA Today have ad products that claim to use AI to predict emotional responses to content and match ads accordingly. However, Facebook took this concept in an ethically questionable direction in 2014 during what has been termed the “Facebook Experiment.” They experimented with over 600,000 users to see if moods could be influenced online, discovering that emotions expressed by others on the platform could indeed affect our own feelings.
When the results of this experiment were published, many questioned the ethics of inducing sadness in a population that likely included individuals at risk of depression or suicide. A few years later, a leaked document revealed that Facebook had been collecting data on the emotional states of millions of young people to identify moments when they might need a confidence boost.
Beyond Facebook, there are numerous patents for emotion-sensing technology, some of which are quite concerning. While this directly monetizes our emotions and attention, other forms of manipulation are more subtle, stemming from our reliance on technology. This can lead to a phenomenon known as “distraction sickness,” where we struggle to maintain focus on a single task. A survey indicated that the percentage of American adults reading literature fell to a three-decade low in 2015, attributed to the increasing number of platforms vying for our attention.
The downside of distraction sickness is that our attention becomes fragmented, preventing us from experiencing boredom, which can actually foster creativity and mental health. The real question is whether technology can change our behavior over time to the extent that it alters who we are as individuals.
While the impact of social media and technology can be alarming, it’s important to acknowledge that many of us, including myself, have benefited from these platforms. The same methods that make apps addictive can also be harnessed for positive outcomes, such as learning new languages or engaging with educational content.
When discussing solutions, simply deleting accounts isn’t always effective. Many solutions involve personal steps, like turning off push notifications or reducing time spent on distracting apps. Others argue that the companies behind social media should be held accountable, suggesting that internet services be treated like public utilities.
There isn’t a perfect solution, but there is a consensus that change is necessary. We often look back and wonder how we allowed ourselves to become so absorbed in our screens, neglecting our well-being and relationships. However, I believe we have the capacity to learn and improve.
For those seeking to change their behavior and reduce distractions, I have advice available in my new series on Nebula, a platform created by YouTube creators. My series, “Questionable Advice,” was made with the support of CuriosityStream, which offers thousands of documentaries and non-fiction titles. They are providing BrainCraft viewers with free access to Nebula when you sign up at curiositystream.com/braincraft. This offer includes access to a wealth of educational content, so be sure to check it out.
Psychology – The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. – Understanding the principles of psychology can help in developing effective mental health interventions.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – The rapid advancement of technology has significantly impacted how psychological research is conducted.
Social Media – Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. – Researchers are exploring the effects of social media on adolescent mental health and self-esteem.
Emotions – Complex psychological states that involve three distinct components: a subjective experience, a physiological response, and a behavioral or expressive response. – The study of emotions is crucial for understanding human motivation and decision-making processes.
Distraction – A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. – In the digital age, technology can be both a tool for productivity and a source of distraction.
Manipulation – The action of controlling or influencing a person or situation cleverly or unscrupulously. – Ethical concerns arise when discussing the manipulation of user behavior through targeted advertising on digital platforms.
Behavior – The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others. – Behavioral psychology focuses on understanding and modifying observable behaviors.
Creativity – The use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness. – Technology can enhance creativity by providing new tools and platforms for expression.
Well-being – The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. – Psychological well-being is often linked to factors such as social connections, physical health, and a sense of purpose.
Ethics – Moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity. – Ethical considerations are paramount in psychological research to ensure the welfare and rights of participants are protected.
