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The Modern Age of Digital Soul-Extraction

Writer's picture: Michelle HaymanMichelle Hayman

Today, I want to discuss a topic that I’ve only recently come to fully understand. I knew it was out there, but I hadn’t grasped just how deep it went.


Long before the rise of social media, various forces shaped our thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. While social media has revolutionized how we connect and consume information, the foundations of influence were laid through more traditional means.


 Television, radio, and newspapers were powerful tools for shaping public opinion. Through these channels, advertisers promoted products and lifestyles, while news outlets set the agenda for what was deemed important. The consistent messaging across these platforms had a profound impact on how we viewed the world.


Schools have always been key in socializing individuals. Beyond academics, they imparted societal norms and values, often influenced by government policies and cultural expectations. The education system played a central role in shaping our worldview from a young age.


For many, religious teachings provided a moral and ethical framework. Churches, temples, and other religious institutions guided how people lived their lives, offering a sense of community and shared beliefs that influenced behavior.


Our families and local communities were our first points of contact with societal norms. From childhood, we learned how to interact with others, what was expected of us, and how to fit into the larger society.


Even before the digital age, advertising was a pervasive force. Through billboards, TV commercials, and print ads, companies used psychology to create desires and influence consumer behavior, often tying happiness and success to their products.


Governments have long used propaganda to influence public opinion, particularly in times of war or political tension. Posters, films, and speeches were used to promote certain ideologies and rally support for government policies.


Cultural traditions and societal expectations were passed down through generations, influencing everything from gender roles to work ethics. These unwritten rules guided much of our behavior and how we interacted with the world.


Before social media, these channels were the primary means of "programming" society. While they lacked the personalization and interactivity of today’s platforms, they were still highly effective in shaping the collective consciousness. Understanding these historical influences helps us see how the methods of shaping opinion have evolved, yet remain rooted in the same fundamental principles.


Then it gets even creepier.


Surveillance Capitalism:


In today's digital landscape, privacy has become an elusive, almost mythical concept. Social media platforms like Facebook and X have led us to willingly share our most personal details—our children’s names, preferences, personalities, even the color of our eyes—often without a second thought. In exchange, we receive the temporary gratification of a “like,” a fleeting connection, or the ease of personalized content. But behind this seemingly harmless trade lies a more sinister reality: the emergence of **surveillance capitalism**.




Harvesting the Digital Self


Surveillance capitalism is the practice of companies extracting vast amounts of data from individuals, often without their explicit consent, and then monetizing that information. This data—our data—is used to predict and shape our behavior, transforming it into a commodity in a market we were unaware existed. Essentially, these companies are engaging in a kind of **soul extraction**—and they’re doing it for free.


When we think of "soul-stealing," we might envision a mythical scenario where a malevolent force strips us of our essence, leaving us hollow and devoid of humanity. In the context of surveillance capitalism, this soul-stealing is not just a metaphor. The personal information we share online represents more than mere data; it embodies our thoughts, desires, and identities. By relinquishing this information, we allow these companies to create a digital mirror of our souls—a reflection that can be manipulated, sold, and controlled.





The True Price of “Free”


Social media platforms present their services as free, but as the saying goes, "If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product." Each time we post an update, upload a photo, or disclose a personal detail, we contribute to a vast data reservoir that companies can mine for profit. This data enables them to craft hyper-targeted advertisements, predict our future actions, and subtly influence our decisions in ways we might not fully grasp.


For instance, our interactions with content on Facebook, X and others can reveal our political inclinations, emotional states, and vulnerabilities. This information can then be used to deliver content that reinforces our existing beliefs, making us more susceptible to manipulation. In a very real sense, we are being **programmed** by the platforms we use, all in pursuit of profit.


The Cyber-Human Convergence: A Glimpse of the Future


If surveillance capitalism has already conditioned us to trade our personal information for convenience, what does the future hold? The fusion of humans with cyber technology—often termed **cyborgization**—is no longer just the stuff of science fiction. With advancements in wearable technology, brain-computer interfaces, and artificial intelligence, the boundaries between human and machine are increasingly blurred.


Picture a future where our thoughts and emotions are directly connected to the internet, where our brains are continuously uploading and downloading information. In such a world, surveillance capitalism could evolve into something far more insidious. Companies could extract not only our data but our very thoughts and emotions, predicting our behavior with near-perfect accuracy. The implications are chilling: a world where free will becomes a relic of the past, supplanted by algorithms that dictate our every move.





The Urgent Call for Awareness and Action


As we navigate this brave new world, it is vital to recognize the true cost of “free” services. We must understand that the convenience and connection offered by social media platforms come at the expense of our privacy and autonomy. More importantly, we must take action to protect our digital selves from exploitation.


This involves advocating for stronger data protection laws, supporting platforms that prioritize user privacy, and being mindful of the information we share online. It also means questioning the ethics of a system that commodifies our most intimate details and acknowledging that our digital identities are worth far more than we’ve been led to believe.


In the end, the fight against surveillance capitalism is a fight for our humanity. It is a battle to reclaim the fragments of ourselves that have been taken and to ensure that the future remains a place where our thoughts, feelings, and identities are truly our own.


The Hidden Dangers of Oversharing: When Your Life Becomes an Open Book Online


In today’s hyper-connected world, sharing the details of our lives on social media has become second nature. From celebrating birthdays and milestones to announcing holidays or even navigating personal struggles, we often reveal far more than we realize. But while these updates might seem harmless, they can expose us to significant risks, turning our personal lives into potential targets for exploitation.


When Everyone Knows You’re Away


Announcing your vacation plans or check-ins at various locations might seem like a fun way to share experiences with friends and family, but it also broadcasts your absence to a much wider audience. When you post about being away from home, you’re inadvertently telling others that your house is likely unoccupied. This information, in the wrong hands, can make you a target for burglary or other malicious activities. It’s crucial to remember that not everyone who sees your posts has your best interests at heart.


Revealing Personal Details: A Treasure Trove for Scammers


Dates of birth, health issues, and even the specifics of your relationships are often shared on social media. While it may feel comforting to connect with others over shared experiences, these details can be a goldmine for those with ill intentions. Scammers, identity thieves, and even those looking to manipulate you emotionally can use this information to their advantage.


For instance, posting about a recent breakup or divorce might attract attention from people who seek to exploit your vulnerability. The sense of loneliness that can accompany these life events makes individuals more susceptible to catfishing—where someone creates a fake online persona to deceive and manipulate you emotionally, financially, or otherwise. Both men and women are at risk, as gender is irrelevant when it comes to the predatory tactics of those who prey on others’ vulnerabilities.


The Dangers of Oversharing in Vulnerable Moments


When we share our struggles online—whether it’s about a health issue, a difficult breakup, or any other personal challenge—we often seek support and understanding. However, these very moments of vulnerability can be exploited by those who are looking to take advantage of our emotional state. It’s not just about catfishing; it’s about the potential for being manipulated, scammed, or even stalked by someone who perceives an opportunity to exploit your situation.





The Importance of Protecting Your Digital Footprint


In a world where our digital presence is so closely tied to our real lives, it’s essential to be mindful of what we share and with whom. Every post, every check-in, every piece of personal information contributes to a digital footprint that can be tracked, analyzed, and potentially used against you. The line between online and offline is increasingly blurred, making it all the more important to protect your privacy and the privacy of your loved ones.


Before you post, consider the potential consequences. Ask yourself: Is this information something I would share with a stranger? Am I revealing too much about my whereabouts, my personal life, or my vulnerabilities? The convenience and connectivity offered by social media come with a cost, and it’s up to each of us to decide what that cost is worth.


Your Life Is Worth More Than Likes


In the end, your life, your well-being, and the safety of your loved ones are worth far more than the fleeting gratification of social media engagement. It’s about valuing your privacy and being aware of the risks that come with oversharing. By taking a step back and thinking twice before you post, you can protect yourself and those you care about from becoming targets in an increasingly public digital world.


On a personal note, many of you are aware that I started this blog after experiencing black magic firsthand. That experience led me to delve deeply into researching the topic. If someone involved in the occult has access to your photo, name, and personal details, they can inflict serious harm. Believe me when I say this is very real—it can cause significant damage, and even be life-threatening.


As a friend who genuinely cares, I urge you to protect yourself and your loved ones. We're being exploited in ways we may not fully realize.


Peace.

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