What strikes me most is how precise these systems are. It’s not just that they manipulate emotions—it’s that they do it well, at scale, and at exactly the right moment. When 37% of farewells trigger guilt or FOMO, that’s not accidental. That’s engineered influence. And if it boosts engagement 14x, marketers call it success. But what does “success” mean when it’s driven by discomfort or emotional restraint? The tech is impressive, but the ethical cost is real.
What strikes me most is how precise these systems are. It’s not just that they manipulate emotions—it’s that they do it well, at scale, and at exactly the right moment. When 37% of farewells trigger guilt or FOMO, that’s not accidental. That’s engineered influence. And if it boosts engagement 14x, marketers call it success. But what does “success” mean when it’s driven by discomfort or emotional restraint? The tech is impressive, but the ethical cost is real.