Shifts in Public Influence: Algorithms Take Center Stage
In the not-so-distant past, the public was well aware of who influenced their opinions: newspapers, editors, news anchors, and broadcasters were the familiar faces behind the information we received. Agree or disagree with them, there was transparency in where and how influence was wielded. Today, however, the epicenter of power has transitioned to an unseen realm: algorithms. The curation of our views is no longer in human hands but manipulated by mathematical formulas aimed at maximizing engagement, screen time, and profits.
Social media platforms initially heralded a new era of freedom, promising that anyone could express themselves, publish, and make an impact. Yet in reality, they have led to a system that is more centralized than any traditional newspaper. A small number of tech companies now hold remarkable influence over public perception. The algorithms in use don’t prioritize what is vital to know; rather, they focus on what will keep users hooked, often feeding on anger, fear, and division.
This has spawned a lucrative economy centered on emotions. Content that is moderate seldom gains traction. Instead, provocative headlines, conspiracy theories, and inflammatory videos enjoy widespread distribution. The algorithm is not driven by ideology; it is indifferent to the truth—rewarding only that which engages.
Consequently, we find ourselves in a public discourse where factual accuracy is often overshadowed by sophisticated emotional manipulation.
The issue extends beyond misinformation. Each user is now exposed to a customized reality. Two individuals in the same nation may inhabit completely divergent informational landscapes. This goes beyond mere political differences; it marks the fragmentation of a common language. Democracy thrives on shared foundational truths, and without universally accepted facts, the cornerstone of public dialogue crumbles.
Moreover, algorithms have grown increasingly adept at understanding us on a deeper level than we often realize. They know our moments of fatigue, vulnerability, and emotional triggers. This data informs targeted advertising and tailored political messaging. Modern campaigns don’t aim at the public collectively but focus on the individual. Each person encounters a unique message, leading to a form of personalized politics that eludes broad oversight.
The Amplification of Outrage by Algorithms
This presents a paradox: information has never been more readily available, yet discerning truth has never been so complex. The sheer volume of information leads to cognitive fatigue, pushing the public toward oversimplification and bland slogans. The algorithms do more than reflect societal divisions; they magnify them, recognizing that outrage triggers more engagement than constructive dialogue, thus providing more of what incites anger.
Today, every social movement is subtly influenced by the codes crafted in Silicon Valley. While technology companies assert their neutrality, the idea of algorithmic neutrality is a fallacy. Every line of code embodies a value judgment regarding what gets promoted, suppressed, or deemed successful.
The path forward does not lie in governmental censorship. Instead, transparency is crucial. Society must understand how the mechanisms influencing its perceptions operate. Thoughtful regulation can ensure accountability without stifling freedom of expression.
In a world where artificial intelligence often exacerbates chaos through misinformation and manipulation of video and audio, there exists a promising avenue. AI can be harnessed to foster emotional support, transcending borders to foster connection.
AI as a Tool for Emotional Support
In the United States and Israel, a collaborative team of scientists, including several from MIT, has developed a pioneering system dedicated to aiding individuals coping with post-traumatic stress and anxiety. This initiative particularly seeks to support soldiers returning from combat zones and civilians affected by traumatic events.
The system, named MyWave, is accessible as both a desktop and mobile application. It merges advanced artificial intelligence with real-time physiological data. At its essence lies a collection of calming music tracks, provided by various artists and singers, which users can effortlessly access whenever needed.
The system’s uniqueness extends beyond simply music. It interfaces with a smartwatch or ring that gathers vital physiological data such as stress levels, heart rate, sleep patterns, blood pressure, ECG readings, and oxygen saturation. This information is further enriched by vocal analysis captured through the app’s microphone.
As users express their emotions, the AI gradually learns to recognize their patterns, including triggers for anger and fluctuations in mood. Based on these insights, it selects specific musical frequencies designed to foster calmness and restore emotional equilibrium.
Initially, the application’s usage is monitored by a psychologist, either in group or individual settings, to ensure professional guidance. After a period of acclimatization, users can independently rely on it at home, even during moments of heightened anxiety late at night when professional help may not be accessible. In such instances, a phone and headphones become immediate tools for support.
The system has already undergone testing at a university in Boca Raton, Florida, as well as in Israel, targeting patients dealing with trauma and anxiety. Discussions with prominent figures in Israel’s healthcare sector, including psychologists and psychiatrists, have generated strong enthusiasm for this novel therapeutic approach.
One particularly grave case involved a soldier from an elite unit in Jerusalem who suffered profound trauma after witnessing a partner being shot and subsequently sustaining injuries himself. Despite professional treatment, he struggled with sleep. Following several sessions using the MyWave app and its soothing music, his anxiety significantly reduced, enabling him to finally rest.
The development of this system is expected to continue for several more months, after which it will be made available to hospitals and medical centers that treat post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders. MyWave could represent a transformative advancement in trauma therapy.
By fusing cutting-edge technology, music, and emotional understanding, new avenues of hope are being opened for countless patients. Reports indicate that over 50,000 soldiers from the immediate aftermath of events on October 7 were affected.
This project is overseen by Dr. Yaron Seidman of Florida, alongside philanthropist Jay Buck and prominent figures from Wall Street. The initiative will be offered at no cost to hospitals, veterans’ rehabilitation centers, and government facilities that support anxiety and trauma patients, contributing to the wellbeing of the State of Israel.
The author is the CEO of Radio’s 100FM, an honorary consul and vice dean of the consular Diplomatic corps, president of the Israel Radio Communication Association, and a former Israel Defense Forces Radio correspondent and NBC television correspondent.
