Cognitive psychology, influenced by technology, can shape decision-making
It is fascinating to question how many of the decisions we make in our daily lives are really ours, as our choices are often shaped by unconscious mechanisms, habits and cognitive biases. Cognitive psychology not only allows us to understand the complex yet predictable workings of our brains, but also sheds light on how these biases work.
From preferring a particular brand to trusting a politician, while we search for logic behind our decisions, we often fail to recognise that we are influenced by mental shortcuts and the desire to expend less effort. This phenomenon extends beyond our individual lives, into marketing campaigns and political propaganda, turning the findings of cognitive psychology into an ethical dilemma: are these findings being used to help people make better decisions, or to manipulate them? The unsettling truth that the human mind is so easily swayed presents a significant challenge, but understanding these mechanisms offers a tremendous opportunity to make more conscious and free choices – provided we seize it.
The impact of technology on our lives is also reshaping the boundaries of cognitive psychology. Today, social media platforms, apps and artificial intelligence systems have become powerful tools that influence users’ thought processes. Algorithms cleverly exploit our habits and biases to determine what content we encounter. For example, as part of the attention economy, social media platforms use designs that cater to our cognitive tendencies and keep us glued to our screens for longer periods of time. Technology is not only changing individual habits, it also has the potential to fundamentally alter social dynamics. At this point, cognitive psychology has a crucial role to play in understanding how these tools affect us and how to manage these effects. But this raises an ethical question: Will technological tools empower users to make conscious choices, or will they be used to control their willpower? In this context, the UX Core project, launched in 2020, stands out as the world’s first open-access library dedicated to cognitive biases. The project provides examples of how biases can be used to make decisions, and has attracted the attention of major companies and academics alike. Its creator, Wolf Alexanyan, developed the initiative not for commercial gain, but to raise individual awareness of the risks posed by the modern world. The democratic and accessible nature of UX Core is based on the principle that such knowledge should not remain exclusively in the hands of large organisations, and provides a significant example of how cognitive psychology can be applied to everyday life.
Cognitive psychology is also a powerful tool for understanding and shaping the complex nature of politics.
Politicians skilfully exploit voters’ unconscious biases and mental tendencies to make their messages more effective. The language of campaigns, the images chosen and even the colours used can influence emotions and decision-making processes. In a country like Israel, which is characterised by a high degree of social and cultural diversity, these strategies take on an even more sophisticated form. Politicians develop intricate tactics aimed at manipulating the fears, hopes and sense of belonging of different groups. This raises the question of how much free will is actually preserved. In Israel, political discourses not only aim to garner support for a leader, but also have the power to shape societal perceptions. A political strategy that effectively exploits unconscious mechanisms leads us to question whether it truly reflects the real needs of the public or merely traps them in mental shortcuts. These questions force us to examine the ethical dimension of politics and the profound implications of cognitive psychology for society.
At this point, cognitive biases in political decision-making have a lasting effect on the general perception of society.
Unconsciously, people can be swayed by the order in which information is presented, the words that are emphasised, or the charisma of leaders. Political debates in Israel are prime examples of the powerful influence of such factors. Especially on issues such as regional conflicts and security, political narratives are shaped by rhetoric that arouses unconscious fears. The role of cognitive psychology in these processes may not only underlie individual decisions, but may also be at the root of societal polarisation. This raises the increasingly important question of whether politics serves as a unifying force for society or as a tool for manipulation.
In a free society, developing a conscious resistance to strategies that influence thought processes has become one of the greatest responsibilities of the modern individual. Cognitive psychology can be a powerful guide to understanding these mechanisms and raising awareness, but the accessibility of knowledge is just as important as how it is used.