In Part V of our Gaming Series, we examine with our guest, Shaday Agosto-Vázquez, how algorithms, AI, and modern digital systems shape what we see and believe without disclosure or consent. From recommendation loops and misinformation rabbit holes to AI systems mirroring and amplifying belief, the conversation surveys how readily human cognition can be guided, narrowed, or exploited by deceptive design. Join us on today’s episode as we discuss how to recognize these “games” and define our own.
Visual of input, processing, and output stages of algorithmic decision-making.

Quotable
“And the only reason we're calling it the genie is because right now it's presenting this right now, people are being constantly diagnosed with AI induced psychosis
”
Highlights psychological impacts of AI-generated content and misinformation.
Diagram showing differences between human relationships and AI-generated companionship.

Visual contrasting data accumulation with true comprehension.

Quotable
“And then it's determined in the aggregate that that person gets the majority, the information from social media.
”
Discusses how algorithms curate information feeds based on user profiles.
Social media and the spread of misinformation: infectious and a threat to public health
Academic article exploring the role of social media in spreading misinformation and its public health implications.
Quotable
“If this were medicine, the side effects would be disclosed. But there's no disclosure for how these systems affect your mind.
”
Ethical comparison between pharmaceuticals and algorithmic systems
Follow Up Notes
What is The "Third Renissance": A period of rapid technological expansion where tools like AI, algorithms, and automation evolve faster than human institutions can adapt, leading to societal upheaval and redefinition of norms.
Visual metaphor illustrating the importance of selecting meaningful engagements over superficial ones.

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