Science & Technology

How Algorithms Manipulate You (and How to Fight Back) | Idea Knock Down | TED

What does it take to stay in control of your life online? AI ethicist Jen Golbeck and TED Fellow Shalini Kantayya discuss how algorithms, data collection and AI shape the choices you make every day. They explore whether it’s possible to use the internet without giving up your privacy, how to push back against big…

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What does it take to stay in control of your life online? AI ethicist Jen Golbeck and TED Fellow Shalini Kantayya discuss how algorithms, data collection and AI shape the choices you make every day. They explore whether it’s possible to use the internet without giving up your privacy, how to push back against big tech and what AI should never be allowed to decide. (This episode is part of “Idea Knock Down,” a series featuring experts with different perspectives taking on big questions — one block at a time.) (Recorded on June 12, 2026)

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17 Comments

  1. @ImaginativeFlow

    July 7, 2026 at 11:09 am

    yes, I feel manipulated by Algorithms, because I see TED on my timeline, but dont even like this channel.

    • @agreenmachine

      July 7, 2026 at 11:20 am

      No likey learning?

    • @riuphane

      July 7, 2026 at 2:01 pm

      If you don’t like it, why did you watch and comment?

  2. @welcome.421

    July 7, 2026 at 11:10 am

    TED | Help me for better again 🙏🏼 only you are one person who understands the internet.. try and try again to understand me please 🥺 for understanding and for everything, we say thank you, TED—we need you🙏🏼

  3. @thierryvankerm8474

    July 7, 2026 at 11:23 am

    Everyday…

  4. @IkeyAjavon

    July 7, 2026 at 11:37 am

    I love this conversation. Hearing their perspective on big tech and the world we *could* have without sacrificing privacy is very refreshing.

  5. @satamsi

    July 7, 2026 at 1:39 pm

    0:13

  6. @riuphane

    July 7, 2026 at 2:00 pm

    I think the conversation and questions are great, but we didn’t need Jenga to make it happen and I think it detracts from everything for me…

    • @KMHill

      July 7, 2026 at 4:20 pm

      Thought the very same.

    • @Ashley11Noel

      July 7, 2026 at 9:03 pm

      True

  7. @homewall724

    July 7, 2026 at 3:05 pm

    No, tech companies cannot force anything on you. You are describing the rulers you submit to because you think democracy means being allowed to vote for one of two rulers offered by the two ruling parties. Liberty is the solution, not government, which is the only surveillance that’s creepy and can land you dead or in a cage or having your property extorted.

    • @stevenporter863

      July 7, 2026 at 3:40 pm

      Yes, tech companies can not force anything on you. But if you don’t accept you can get locked out of society and doing anything. Like your boss can’t force you to work either, but if the boss stops paying you, you don’t eat and can’t pay your mortgage/rent.

  8. @homewall724

    July 7, 2026 at 3:07 pm

    So humans have emotions, but they are broken and lacking grace because of tools like AI? No, humans actually are violent, thieving, lying entities. When they are offered the choice of dealing with another person directly and in person, they choose texting, online or self-checkout.

    • @emme1865

      July 7, 2026 at 4:48 pm

      @homewall724 I am so sorry you feel that way. I am so sorry someone hurt you. I hope you also experience kindness.

  9. @xyandzhandler

    July 7, 2026 at 4:47 pm

    Windows is 100% spying and selling all your data!!! Using global identifier they know everything you do and where you go. They sell the data to anyone anywhere

  10. @jf-jx4ym

    July 7, 2026 at 6:53 pm

    GDPRS

    RIGHT TO BE FORGOTTEN

    RIGHT TO CONTROL ERASE AND SEE DATA

    RIGHT TO BAN USE, FORFEITING AND SALE OF DATA

    These ofc are impossible or even harmful to many…might erase evidence of a crime or other foolery too for instance. Parts of your history.

    Or potentially useful service provider using data to your best interest or benefit. If honest smart market capitalism is still alive.

    Utlizing these would erase parts of ones life altogether. Which is problem…

    And once data is mined its forever somewhere usually… At least as metadata..

    Sold, given, reformed, compiled into a new dataset over and over again to avoid the above rights infringing and laws.

    Selling to insurance, healthcare, sales organisations, government whoever. Unbeknownst to you.

    Much like usual databases and their use.

  11. @Ashley11Noel

    July 7, 2026 at 9:11 pm

    💯 I completely agree with the Q’s and A’s 👏👏👏
    However, the Jenga game was pointless.. It just added a few monotonous minutes to the video

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