Recently the horrific episode involving Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and other comedians has brought the discussion about obscenity, vulgarity and propriety to every living room. And both sides of the debate have some potent and pertinent arguments to defend their stance. But we tend to miss the basic point as in this context, two crucial facts require a more nuanced analysis. First, the belief that an informed society is inherently more democratic and resilient. Second, the idea of technology is always neutral. Both arguments are flawed.

While a simple tool like a knife may be morally neutral — useful for preparing food or as a weapon— an algorithm operates differently. Unlike a knife, algorithms continuously learn and evolve, adapting to data inputs and modifying their behaviour over time. This makes algorithm-driven systems complex and unpredictable, often behaving like adaptive systems with emergent properties that escape human oversight.

Consider algorithms designed to maximise user engagement on social media. They operate with relentless efficiency, optimising for clicks, shares, and time spent on the platform, regardless of ethical considerations. As Elon Musk ominously put it, “If AI has a goal and humanity just happens to be in the way, it will destroy humanity as a matter of course, without even thinking about it.”

This phenomenon is rooted in concepts like persuasive technology and the attention economy. Persuasive technology is designed to alter user behaviour through subtle psychological manipulation, leveraging social influence and subconscious nudges. Initially deployed in sales and marketing, it now permeates politics, governance and social interactions.

The attention economy, on the other hand, commodifies human focus, treating it as a scarce resource to be monetised. Every billboard, push notification and social media reel is engineered to capture and retain attention, often at the expense of critical thinking. The fusion of these two forces has profound, often unnoticed consequences for society.

Together, persuasive technology and the attention economy yield powerful, sometimes alarming, outcomes. Their influence often goes unnoticed but profoundly impacts society. Over the past decade, countless examples illustrate how these forces shape public opinion, political discourse and personal behaviour.

What separates humans from machines is not just superior cognition or creativity, but the ability to navigate ethical dilemmas. This moral compass is shaped by education, experience and consciousness—qualities that algorithms lack. Yet, human decision-making is not infallible. Cognitive biases, deeply ingrained in our psyche, serve as the machines’ gateway to manipulation.

Rapid technological development, fuelled by profit motives, often disregards long-term consequences. A well-known African proverb states, “The lion only needs to outrun the slowest gazelle.” Similarly, algorithm-driven social media does not need to surpass the most intelligent humans to dominate—it only needs to exploit our weakest cognitive tendencies.

Digital platforms capitalise on these vulnerabilities. Be it through social media, e-commerce, or news aggregation, they manipulate biases to maximise engagement. These systems are not designed to guide users toward truth or ethical choices but to optimise revenue. As Musk noted, humanity is simply an obstacle in its path.

Cognitive bias refers to our tendency to favour information that reinforces pre-existing beliefs. When digital systems exploit this trait, they can manufacture urgency, fear, admiration or jealousy, prompting impulsive actions. Worse, these biases can be embedded into AI systems, amplifying prejudices and misinformation on a massive scale. In the wrong hands, such algorithms become powerful tools for propaganda and deception.

Research shows that the human brain when inundated with information struggles to process details effectively. This phenomenon, akin to being “stunned into submission,” underpins the attention economy. Once a user’s focus is captured, simple A/B testing helps refine content to elicit desired behaviours. Companies leveraging this approach don’t just influence preferences; they systematically rewire thought patterns. The data generated through these interactions further refine AI models, perpetuating a self-reinforcing cycle.

Ironically, despite unprecedented connectivity, meaningful human communication is dwindling. Advanced machine-driven interactions create virtual companions, accelerating societal isolation. Information overload fuels disconnection, weakening the traditions and values that have historically guided humanity through upheavals. These cultural pillars—compassion, tolerance and industriousness—now face an existential threat from a technology-driven, detached worldview that prioritises economic and political agendas over humanistic ideals.

Children today learn more from screens than from human mentors, fostering emotional detachment. The result? A generation of individuals who are technologically adept yet socially and morally adrift. These digital natives may possess knowledge but lack wisdom. In an era of persuasive technology, values that once defined civilisations are being eroded and replaced by fleeting digital stimuli.

As cultural sterility grows, society risks producing individuals with muted morals and suppressed beliefs. The danger extends beyond social fragmentation. AI-powered systems, armed with superior communication strategies, can flood the world with misinformation and ideological distortions. Philosopher Jean Baudrillard warned of the “precession of simulacra,” where reality becomes indistinguishable from fabricated narratives. In this world of infinite mutability, truth itself becomes a casualty.

This case of comedians, influencers, and youtubers making crass vulgar and incest-filled comments highlights the dual-edged nature of digital platforms. While they offer creators like Allahbadia vast opportunities to influence and engage audiences, they also present challenges related to content moderation, ethical considerations and the potential for generational damage all for the sake of increased viewership. The controversy surrounding "India's Got Latent" underscores the importance of responsible content creation, the societal impact of digital media, and what technology drives all this.

In the broader context of persuasive technologies and the attention economy, these events serve as reminders of the responsibilities that come with digital transformation. Creators must navigate the fine line between engaging content and ethical standards, ensuring that their platforms do not inadvertently perpetuate harm or misinformation. Unchecked, AI-driven persuasive technology has the potential to reshape human behaviour in ways we scarcely comprehend.

Recognising these dangers is the first step. The next is ensuring that technological progress aligns with ethical imperatives, preserving the essence of what makes us human. With the coming of AI and Quantum Computing, if we make a mistake, it will be the last mistake we make.