Mindmasters

In Mindmasters, Sandra Matz examines the science of psychological targeting, a process where algorithms transform digital footprints into intimate profiles used to influence behavior. She compares our modern era to a "digital village" where, much like her childhood in a small town, our private actions are visible to others, though the current scale is global and the power balance is uneven. The text highlights that while data mining can be exploitative or manipulative, it also holds the potential to improve mental health and aid social progress. Matz advocates for redesigning the data ecosystem by moving away from individual management toward collective data trusts. Ultimately, the book serves as a guide to understanding how AI and machine learning predict our inner lives and how we can regain control over our digital futures.