In our modern world, technology plays an ever-present role in our lives. However, what we don’t always realise is how much it can influence our unconscious mind. According to a recent article in Psychology Today, around 95% of our thoughts and behaviours are dictated by our unconscious mind. This invisible influence of technology raises important questions about our autonomy and our ability to make informed decisions.
The power of the unconscious
Our unconscious is a fascinating part of our mind, operating just below our awareness. It is responsible for the majority of our daily actions, often without us being aware of it. For example, have you ever overreacted to a mildly irritating situation or cried at an emotional advert? These reactions are manifestations of our unconscious mind working its way into our consciousness.
Technological manipulation
Modern technology uses sophisticated methods to profile and predict our behaviour. Data such as the dilation of our pupils, the tone of our voice and changes in our facial musculature are analysed to understand our emotions and reactions. This information is then used to influence our decisions, often without us being aware of it. For example, the targeted advertisements we see online are designed to exploit our unconscious vulnerabilities.
Recognising and resisting influence
Recognising our susceptibility to manipulation is crucial to maintaining our autonomy. The more we understand how our unconscious mind works and how it can be influenced, the less power it has over us. Therapy, for example, can help us explore our unconscious mind and better understand our deeper motivations. By being aware of these influences, we can make more informed decisions and resist attempts at manipulation.
Technology has the power to shape our thoughts and behaviour in subtle but significant ways. By better understanding our unconscious mind and recognising the methods used to influence us, we can regain control of our decisions. It is essential to remain vigilant and informed in order to navigate a world increasingly dominated by technology.