Here’s what I mean, in an excerpt from the Internet Manipulation section of Wikipedia’s article on Disinformation.

Internet manipulation is the use of online digital technologies, including algorithms, social bots, and automated scripts, for commercial, social, military, or political purposes. Internet and social media manipulation are the prime vehicles for spreading disinformation due to the importance of digital platforms for media consumption and everyday communication. When employed for political purposes, internet manipulation may be used to steer public opinion, polarise citizens, circulate conspiracy theories, and silence political dissidents.

That’s everybody’s business.

While we may weigh up the pros and cons of these tools, it’s a start to recognise that there are significant social risks here that shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.