Cass Sunstein, author of Nudge discusses the release of his new book Manipulation.
Renowned American law professor and economist Cass Sunstein divides manipulation into three key areas: coercion, lies, and deception. He warns of the integration of manipulation with digital practices that are manipulating everyday consumers or civilians.
Sunstein introduced his coined term “The Barbie Problem.” The concept is based on people who would be inclined to buy ‘goods’ that they wish did not exist, often driven by societal pressures of ‘fearing missing out’ that companies exploit. He added that not having such a product will result in exclusion from the community.
Sunstein referred to his U.S study on social media as an example. He found that some participants would demand money to stay off social media, and those who were willing to pay would seek to abolish such platforms. In his book, he compares social media use to an addiction, like a drug.
“People might even wish that the relevant good did not exist in the first place, even as they consume it.”
Sunstein turned to the audience and asked if we would also be willing to pay for such goods. We all agreed. He was, to say the least, not surprised.
Sunstein asked if we had any difficulties trying to solve a personal problem with the online healthcare system, or any highly sophisticated organisation that continuously opened multiple web extensions, to divert our attention elsewhere.
He described this experience as “sludge,” an intentional effort to make the application process difficult, in hopes of discouraging the majority from continuing.
Sunstein explained that tools like misinformation in the digital sphere are manipulative, and transparency is necessary to combat this. He also discussed how ChatGPT lacks accountability and primarily serves the company’s interests.
As deepfakes have become more prominent on social media, Sunstein believes that the repetition of AI-generated false imagery will help normalise the digital tool. “It’s a form of manipulation, and bypasses the failures of the capacity to reflect,” he said.
“Manipulated for lack of attention.”
Cass Sunstein
Many in the audience told us they had a range of reasons why they wanted to attend the launch. Most of them responded with questions of their own regarding AI and its implementation in society. One of them asked whether it was the fault of AI or its creators, a question we didn’t have enough time to answer during the discussion.
This newly released book prompts insights into how AI digital tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and suggests ways we can prevent ourselves from facing the consequences of digital manipulation.
Towards the end, interviewer Carl Miller remarked how the author had written a recipe book for manipulation. Most of the audience nodded in agreement. However, Sunstein said, “No deep thinking, we already have problems.”