The widespread use of Internet technologies and data to manipulate people and, in fact, what we consider to be reality is a current threat to much of our society and way of life. This book is a well-organized, well-written examination of the many technologies currently being used as digital propaganda tools (social media, images and videos, chat bots in social media spaces among others) as well as a look at upcoming technologies (AR, VR, XR, sophisticated AI) and their potential for similar exploitation.
Punctuated by actual events and speculative scenarios, this book is captivating, thought-provoking and, at times, horrifying.
Timely and fascinating, I think this book should be read by anyone interested in how companies and “bad actors” are using technologies and data to influence our thinking and actions. It’s a sobering experience but the author offers concrete ways to address many problems. This is such an important topic and a great overview of the many issues we face with emerging technologies.