Ads ruined social media. Now they’re coming to AI

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Imagine how persuasive such software could be when its users are beguiled. Imagine a person telling their AI they’re feeling depressed, and the system recommending some affordable holiday destinations or medication to address the problem.

For some apps, that might mean weaving ads directly into conversations, using the intimate details shared by users to predict and potentially even manipulate them into wanting something, then selling those intentions to the highest bidder.

the services have also built a reputation as trustworthy companions and arbiters of truth. On X, for instance, users frequently bring AI models Grok and Perplexity into conversations to flag if a post is fake. 

When people trust AI that much, they’re more vulnerable to targeted manipulation.

Qns:

1. ‘Online advertisements use increasingly sophisticated methods to target consumers.’ To what extent does this bring more harm than good? (Cam. 2024)

2. 'Useful servant, but dangerous master.' How far is this true of technology today? (JPJC WA 2025)