Imagine waking up in a great mood, scrolling through your phone, and suddenly feeling anxious without knowing why. Or walking into a store and feeling oddly compelled to buy something you didn’t plan for. Could AI be behind it? Spoiler alert: Yes!
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere: Our phones, smart home devices, social media, and even the client service chatbots we vent to. And while we think we’re in control, AI is subtly nudging our emotions in ways we don’t even notice. Let’s dive into how this works and why it matters.
1. Social media: The mood manipulator
Ever noticed how after just 1 scroll sesh on social media, you can go from feeling relaxed to irritated (or vice versa)? That’s because AI-driven algorithms curate your feed based on emotions, not just interests.
How AI does it
- Engagement-based algorithms: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok show content based on what keeps you engaged the longest (often controversial or emotional content).
- Sentiment analysis: AI reads your comments and reactions to predict your mood and feed you more of what triggers you.
- FOMO tactics: AI promotes posts that make you feel like you’re missing out, pushing you to stay online for longer.
Pro tip: Take control! Limit your social media time and follow accounts that uplift rather than drain you.
2. Chatbots: Your AI therapist (or trickster)
AI-powered chatbots aren’t just there to answer your questions, they can also alter your emotional state. Client service bots use natural language processing (NLP) to:
- Mirror your emotions
If you sound frustrated, the bot responds in a calm and understanding tone, making you feel heard and valued.
- Use persuasive psychology
Some AI bots subtly nudge you into making purchases by framing offers in ways that make them hard to resist.
- Create emotional bonds
Advanced AI, like ChatGPT or Replika, can even act as a virtual friend or therapist, making users feel connected.
Pro tip: If a chatbot is making you feel extra calm (or extra spendy!), take a step back and evaluate if it’s influencing your decisions.
3. AI in shopping: The impulse buy enabler
Ever browsed for shoes and suddenly seen ads for the exact pair you were considering, but in a more expensive brand? That’s AI at work!
How AI influences shopping emotions
- Personalised recommendations
AI studies your behaviour and emotions to show products at the perfect moment.
- Urgency tactics
Limited-time offers, countdown timers, and ‘Only 2 left in stock!’ alerts use psychological triggers to make you anxious enough to buy.
- AI-powered pricing
Some retailers adjust prices based on your location, device, and browsing history, influencing whether you see a bargain or a premium price.
Pro tip: Clear your cookies or browse in incognitomode to prevent hyper-personalised pricing!
4. AI in entertainment: Controlling your feels
Have you ever noticed how Netflix always seems to suggest the exact show you’re in the mood for? AI-powered recommendation systems don’t just guess, they analyse your emotional state to keep you watching.
- Music streaming apps
AI creates playlists based on your listening patterns and mood shifts.
- Video streaming platforms
AI suggests content designed to keep you engaged and emotionally invested.
- Gaming AI
Video game AI adapts challenges to match your frustration levels, keeping you entertained without making the game too easy or hard.
Pro tip: Set a timer! It’s easy to let AI-driven recommendations turn 1 episode into an all-night binge.
5. AI in news and information: The bias machine
Think you’re getting an objective news feed? Think again! AI curates news articles based on your past reading habits, creating an emotional echo chamber.
- Polarising content
AI prioritises emotionally charged news, often making you angrier or more anxious than necessary.
- Filter bubbles: You mostly see opinions that align with your existing beliefs, reinforcing biases instead of broadening your perspective.
- Clickbait AI: Headlines are optimised to trigger emotions like fear, curiosity, or outrage.
Pro tip: Diversify your news sources to avoid being emotionally manipulated by algorithmic bias.
Should we be worried
While AI is undoubtedly shaping the way we feel, think, and act (often without us realising it) the good news is that we don’t have to let the algorithms decide for us. With awareness and a few smart habits, we can stay in control of our emotions.
And speaking of smart decisions, why let AI control your emotions, but not your savings? Just like tech makes life easier, King Price makes insurance simpler, smarter, and cheaper, with comprehensive car insurance premiums that actually decrease over time. Now that’s an AI-approved smart move!