In his new book, 'A World Appears', author Michael Pollan argues that human consciousness is increasingly under threat from social media algorithms and artificial intelligence. He calls for a 'consciousness hygiene' to protect our internal mental space from manipulation.
Pollan describes consciousness as a 'precious realm' of interiority where we enjoy mental freedom, but warns it is being polluted by algorithms designed to seize attention and by chatbots that encourage emotional attachments. He notes that 72% of teenagers now turn to AI for companionship, according to a New York Times report.
The author suggests that meditation can help reclaim sovereignty over one's mind. 'When you're meditating, you're alone with your thoughts and getting in touch with how little control you have,' he says. 'It's all yours. It's not being manipulated by someone else to make a buck.'
Pollan emphasises that consciousness hygiene is not about emptying the mind but about owning its noise. He warns that while people on social media or engaging with chatbots remain conscious, their mental space is being deliberately manipulated for profit.
