Dr Maks's Key Ideas from Free Your Mind: The new world of manipulation and how to resist it
by Laura Dodsworth, Patrick Fagan

Your digital footprints allow algorithms to understand your desires, fears, and habits. They can predict and affect your actions. It's important to be mindful of what information you share to protect your privacy.

• "If it's free, you're the product."Algorithms use your data to make money
• Be cautious of what you share online
• Protect your privacy by limiting your digital footprint

Dopamine is a brain chemical that drives our desire to scroll for notifications, likes, and infinite feeds. It's easy to get caught in this loop, but we can break it by becoming aware of our urges.

To avoid constantly scrolling, try these tips:

• Take a tech break and do something non-digital.
• Limit your screen time. Set a timer or use apps to track usage.
• Unsubscribe from unnecessary notifications and delete apps you don't use.
• Be mindful of your urge to scroll and choose a different activity instead.

Technology can change our desires, but we can take control by being aware of our actions.

- Your attention is bought, sold, and harvested.

- Every click funds manipulation.

- To reclaim your mind, become intentional with where your focus goes.

- "What you focus on, you feed."

Your attention is valuable and can be manipulated by tech companies. Take control of your mind by being conscious of where you direct your focus. Remember, you feed what you focus on.

Nudges Aren’t Always Harmless

Behavioral nudges can be used for public good or corporate profit. It is important to know who is doing the nudging and why. Beware of "neutral" designs that may have ulterior motives.

"Not all nudges are created equal."

Don't let your emotions be used against you! Fear, anger, and outrage online are often intentional triggers. Take a moment to pause and think before reacting.

Remember: “Emotion makes you easier to predict.”

The full picture of your data can reveal your habits, personality, and vulnerabilities - creating a psychological mirror.

The more detailed this mirror, the easier it is for others to manipulate you. To protect your mind, protect your privacy. Your data is your digital soul.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

• Limit the personal information you share online.
• Regularly review your privacy settings and adjust them as needed.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or emails.
• Use strong passwords for your accounts and enable two-factor authentication.
• Be aware of what data is being collected.

Most manipulation thrives in the background. When you start seeing the patterns—colors, cues, defaults—you weaken their power. Awareness disrupts control.

Remember, “What’s unseen controls the seen.” Stay alert and notice the small details that may be manipulating you. Don't be afraid to question the norm and resist the manipulation.

The only real defense is to think deliberately: limit screen time, question narratives, and choose consciously. Mindfulness is mental sovereignty.

Freedom isn't a default. It’s a daily decision.