"Hypnocracy" threatens informed societies, warn critics

A new concept called “hypnocracy” is raising concerns about the influence of artificial intelligence and social media on critical thinking. Critics argue that figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump are at the forefront of this issue. They warn that the unchecked use of AI may threaten informed societies and democracy itself. Hypnocracy refers to a digital manipulation that alters how people perceive reality. Hong Kong philosopher Jianwei Xun describes it as a regime that influences emotions and consciousness rather than just controlling information. This manipulation could weaken the public's ability to think critically, making reality and simulation hard to distinguish. At a recent AI Action Summit in Cannes, experts discussed this issue. Cecilia Danesi of the Institute of European Studies noted that hypnocracy can distort how citizens understand political matters. She emphasized that it poses serious risks to democracy, as it changes how we connect with reality. Xun emphasizes that this is more than just a political issue; it's a transformation of how we interact with the truth. The rise of digital capitalism, driven by social media giants, allows for mass manipulation through algorithms, making critical analysis more difficult. The lack of regulation in digital platforms has made it easier for misleading content to spread. Many users believe that violent or hateful online speech should be controlled, but opinions vary by country. A survey showed that 79% of respondents support reducing online incitement, especially in countries like Germany and Brazil. There is a growing concern that without action, democracy could be further undermined by AI-driven disinformation. Researchers are calling for stronger regulations to ensure that online spaces are safer and free from manipulation. The European Union has begun addressing this issue with its AI Act, but experts warn that overregulation fears should not hinder necessary action for protecting human rights and democracy.