(RightWing.org) – We’ve all seen the movies: people falling under mind control tactics employed by those with nefarious intentions. It sounds like something you’d only see or hear of in a science fiction novel or flick. However, it seems the reality of brain hijacking is right under our noses — and people don’t even realize it’s happening.
What Is Brain Hijacking?
If you’ve never heard the specific term before, you’ve certainly heard of its symptoms. Brain hijacking is the strategic employment of techniques designed to get someone addicted to something — whether it’s to gamble, a specific app, or a social media site. It actually involves sociology, behavioral psychology, and employing principles that result in compulsion.
Social Media and Brain Hijacking
Have you ever logged into Facebook or Instagram with the intention of simply catching up on the day’s events over a cup of coffee, then panic when you realize hours have gone by? That’s an example of brain hijacking in action, and social media sites employ it all. the. time.
According to industry insider Rex Lee, the apps created and offered by Big Tech companies Meta (formerly Facebook), Google, and even ByteDance, who we have to thank for TikTok, are intentionally designed to manipulate users into staying on their apps or websites, literally wasting hours each day.
In fact, Lee stumbled upon this information thanks to a stunning admission by Sean Parker, the first President of Facebook. The social media site, according to Parker, is a “social validation feedback loop.” Those interactive buttons — like, dislike, comments — are all means of sucking people further into the app and the results, quite simply, are devastating.
After leaving the company, Parker had no qualms about outing Facebook for its actions, blowing the whistle on the shady techniques Big Tech employs that “literally changes your relationship with society, with each other.” All, it seems, for the almighty dollar bill.
Raising Awareness
The most devastating consequences of these apps, according to Lee, are found in the youth who constantly use the sites and apps, seeking validation that comes and goes on a whim. It leads to highs and dangerous lows, causing depression and affecting the mental health of children across the world.
Lee recently testified before Congress about these harmful effects, which he likens to the companies violating not only consumer protection laws, but also child protection laws, particularly the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
However, regulating these apps might be going a step too far. Instead, Lee wants the FTC to investigate these alleged violations and potentially hold the companies accountable.
As for adults and children, it’s important to regulate the amount of time spent on such devices. Adults can be more mindful of the time they spend checking the apps, while also limiting their children’s access.
Copyright 2022, RightWing.org
