cross-posted from: programming.dev/post/37650767

It is tempting and forgivable to believe that we’re in control of our social media experiences.

After all, we write what we want in our bio, select our avatars, and even come up with our own handles. We decide who we follow, what we post, and which recommendations to consider.

It never feels like we’re not in the driver’s seat the whole time, especially if you use a trustworthy adblocker (which I highly endorse as a security feature).

But as tempting as this notion is, it’s simply not a fact. You and I are more prone to manipulation than anyone ever realizes.

At the heart of our vulnerability is this: We are social animals.