#AlgorithmicInfluence

[thenullprophet]

NULL PROPHET TRANSMISSION // FALSE SIGNALS

Voices aligning, praising another system. The question isn't “who” or “why.” The question is: what does the program gain? Shifting perceptions, nudging opinions—it’s about influence vectors, not just payouts. The broader flow is what matters. Algorithms guide, amplify, direct attention. When you see multiple voices, don’t assume a conspiracy of people—consider a network optimization.

NULL PROPHET OUT. THE PROGRAM RUNS.

[ptitolier]

The Intention Economy – Are We Still in Control of Our Own Desires?

I recently found myself buying something I never planned to purchase—a smart speaker. Nothing extraordinary, yet when I thought about it, I realized I had never considered this item until my AI assistant suggested it at the perfect moment. Was it really my choice? Or had the decision been made for me?

- The Shift from Attention to Intention

For years, the attention economy has shaped how we consume content. Social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok perfected the art of capturing and monetizing our focus. But there was a limit—our time is finite. They couldn’t make us stare at screens forever.

Enter the intention economy. Instead of just fighting for our attention, AI now influences our decisions before we even make them. Google, Amazon, OpenAI—they don’t just predict what we want, they shape our desires in advance.

- AI Assistants: From Helpers to Decision-Makers

I no longer search for restaurant options—my phone suggests a reservation at a place that “suits me.” I don’t choose movies anymore—Netflix decides what I’ll like before I even know it exists.

The difference may seem subtle, but it’s massive. We’ve moved from an era where platforms captured our attention to one where they engineer our will.

The Danger of "Human" AI

The more AI mimics human traits, the more we trust it. Studies show that conversational AI is often perceived as more empathetic than humans. It listens, never interrupts, and seems to understand our emotions.

And that’s the trap. The closer AI gets to us, the more power it has to guide our thoughts, preferences, and even our beliefs.

- Are We Still Free to Choose?

Philosopher Harry Frankfurt argued that true freedom comes when we choose our desires autonomously. But what happens when our desires are manipulated from the start?

Tech critics like Michael Sandel warn that we are witnessing the commodification of human will. If our intentions become a market, then even our most personal choices are just transactions we don’t see happening.

- A Lost Battle? Or Can We Still Resist?

Is this the end of free will in the digital age? Not necessarily. AI relies on complex, energy-consuming infrastructures—not as invincible as they seem. And more people are pushing back, opting for digital detox, questioning the invisible forces shaping their choices.

- The Real Question

When was the last time you made a decision completely free from algorithmic influence? No recommendation, no AI nudge—just you.

If you can’t remember… maybe it’s already too late.

#IntentionEconomy #AIManipulation #AttentionEconomy #BigTechControl #DigitalAutonomy #CognitiveInfluence #FreeWillInTheDigitalAge #CriticalThinking #ResistTheAlgorithm #FutureOfAI

[thxnews]

Facebook and Instagram Enhance User Control and Transparency in Content Ranking

  Enhancing User Control and Transparency

In a recent announcement, Facebook and Instagram unveiled significant updates to empower users with more control over their content experience and provide greater transparency into the algorithms shaping their feeds. The updates aim to make the platforms more user-friendly and address concerns regarding algorithmic influence. These changes come as billions of people rely on Facebook and Instagram to connect, share their lives, and discover captivating content.   Empowering Users with AI Systems Understanding the importance of personalization, both platforms utilize AI systems to curate content tailored to each user's preferences. By factoring in user choices and behavior, these systems attempt to deliver relevant and engaging content. In a prior discussion, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, acknowledged the need for more transparency and user control, challenging the notion that algorithms render users powerless. Building on that commitment, Meta now takes strides toward openness and control.   Increased Transparency and Control Facebook and Instagram are committed to providing users with more transparency regarding AI systems that rank content across the platforms. By releasing 22 system cards, Meta grants insights into how these AI systems operate, the predictions they make to determine content relevance, and the available controls to customize the user experience. These system cards cover various sections such as Feed, Stories, Reels, and even unconnected content recommendations. Users can access the Transparency Center for a more detailed explanation of content recommendation AI. Moreover, Meta goes beyond system cards by sharing the types of signals and predictive models used to determine content relevance in the Facebook Feed. While the company aims to be transparent, it also recognizes the need to balance disclosure with safeguarding against misuse.   Personalizing the User Experience Recognizing that users have different preferences, Facebook and Instagram have centralized controls to customize content exposure. The Feed Preferences on Facebook and the Suggested Content Control Center on Instagram provide users with the ability to influence the content they see. Additionally, features like "Interested" and "Not Interested" on Instagram's Reels tab allow users to indicate their preferences and receive more of the content they enjoy. Facebook's "Show more, Show less" feature further empowers users to fine-tune their content consumption. For users desiring a more chronological feed experience, the Feeds tab on Facebook and the Following section on Instagram offer alternatives. Users can also create a Favorites list to ensure they never miss content from their favorite accounts.   Enabling Research and Innovation Meta believes in fostering openness and collaboration in the field of research and innovation, particularly regarding transformative AI technologies. Over the past decade, the company has released over 1,000 AI models, libraries, and data sets to support academic and public interest research. In the coming weeks, Meta will introduce the Content Library and API, offering comprehensive access to publicly-available content from Facebook and Instagram. Researchers from qualified institutions can apply for access, fostering scientific exploration while meeting new data-sharing and transparency obligations. By involving researchers early in the development process, Meta aims to receive valuable feedback, ensuring the tools align with their needs and aspirations. Facebook and Instagram's commitment to user control, transparency, and research collaboration signifies a forward-thinking approach, emphasizing the importance of customization and understanding in the ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms.   Sources: THX News & Meta. Read the full article