Skip to main content

Brainjacking - Brian Clegg *****

Brian Clegg's Brainjacking is a captivating exploration of the subtle and pervasive ways our minds are manipulated in today’s world, offering readers a blend of scientific insight, cultural commentary, and even speculative fiction. Clegg deftly tackles a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence and deepfakes to psychological nudges and subliminal messaging, weaving them into an engaging narrative that prompts us to rethink how much of our thinking is truly our own.

One of the book’s standout strengths is Clegg’s ability to make complex and often unsettling topics accessible and engaging. Whether he's discussing the dangers of AI-generated deepfakes or the psychology behind targeted advertising, Clegg brings a clear, conversational tone to subjects that might otherwise feel daunting. His approach to brainjacking  -  the subtle art of influencing thoughts and behaviours  -  bridges scientific facts with everyday examples, showing how we’re often nudged or manipulated without realizing it. From the design of user interfaces to the power of storytelling, Clegg illustrates how manipulation is deeply embedded in the world around us.

The breadth of Brainjacking is impressive, as Clegg seamlessly moves between topics like Derren Brown’s psychological illusions, classic science fiction like The Space Merchants, and the latest research in cognitive psychology. He also discusses real-world examples, such as Cambridge Analytica’s controversial use of data and AI’s growing role in political manipulation. These examples make the abstract idea of brainjacking tangible and relatable, and Clegg does a great job balancing historical context with contemporary relevance.

Clegg’s thoughtful integration of science fiction into the discussion is particularly compelling. By referencing works like The Matrix or Philip K. Dick’s Minority Report, he not only highlights how long we’ve been fascinated by mind control and manipulation but also shows how these fictional scenarios are becoming eerily close to reality. This use of speculative fiction adds a layer of depth to the book, encouraging readers to imagine the potential future implications of the technologies and psychological techniques being explored.

Another highlight is Clegg's clear-eyed take on controversial psychological concepts like priming and hypnosis. While he acknowledges the scepticism and replication issues surrounding some of these studies, he doesn’t shy away from exploring their potential impact. Rather than dismissing them outright, he provides a balanced view, showing how even discredited theories offer insight into how easily our minds can be influenced.

What makes Brainjacking particularly engaging is how it doesn’t just leave readers with a sense of unease about manipulation. Clegg emphasizes the importance of awareness and critical thinking as tools to navigate a world where brainjacking is an ever-present reality. He encourages readers to question what they see, hear, and even think, fostering a more mindful approach to the information we consume.

In conclusion, Brainjacking is a fascinating, thought-provoking book that blends science, psychology, and culture into a highly readable and timely exploration of how our minds are shaped by external forces. Clegg’s approachable writing, combined with his wide-ranging insights, makes this a must-read for anyone curious about the hidden influences that affect our daily lives. It’s a book that not only informs but also empowers, giving readers the tools to recognize and resist the subtle manipulations that surround us.

Hardback:   
Kindle:  
Using these links earns us commission at no cost to you
These articles will always be free - but if you'd like to support my online work, consider buying a virtual coffee:
Review by Harriet Dunbar-Morris
Please note, this title is written by the editor of the Popular Science website. Our review is still an honest opinion – and we could hardly omit the book – but do want to make the connection clear.
- See all Brian's online articles or subscribe to a weekly email free here
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mathematics with Love – Mary Stopes-Roe *****

Admittedly it’s early days (this review is written in January), but this, for me, is the surprise hit of the year so far! I approached this book with trepidation, but found it absolutely delightful. It is described on the cover as the “courtship correspondence of Barnes Wallis, inventor of the bouncing bomb”, and contains a series of letters between Wallis and his cousin and eventual wife Molly Bloxham, along with some useful annotation by their daughter, Mary. The courtship itself is not without difficulties, as Wallis was 18 years older than the 17-year-old Molly at the start of the correspondence, and her father, not surprisingly, wasn’t too pleased about the interest of such an elderly suitor, but that isn’t the only reason the letters are interesting – it’s also because of maths, and Wallis’s position in the UK as the engineering hero of the Second World War. (Incidentally, it seemed very strange to see letters addressed to “Barnes” – I had always assumed Barnes Wallis was a ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Data Empire - Roopika Risam ****

The central thesis presented by Roopika Risam is that information gives us (and particularly countries) the power to organise, control and dominate others. Although I have a couple of issues with the presentation, this is a genuinely interesting trip through the history of our use of stored information from the earliest tallies to the latest information technology. I loved a quote from Lisa Gitelman that data is is always 'cooked' so 'raw data is an oxymoron'. This neatly underlines Risam's thesis that data and information are not neutral facts, but rather tools that (like everything from fire to electronics) can be used for good or evil. As we are taken through the historical context, it can sometimes be a little difficult to judge whether Risam regards a particular example as bad or good, even when the outcome is disastrous. One thing I didn't like too much is the adherence to a popular science writing approach that has got distinctly hackneyed: opening chapte...
Post a Comment
Read more

Andrew Jaffe - Five way interview

Andrew Jaffe is professor of astrophysics and cosmology at Imperial College, London and director of the Imperial Centre for Inference and Cosmology. His new book is The Random Universe. Why science? I’ve always been interested in science, in particular in  astronomy, astrophysics, and space. One of my earliest memories - back in nursery school in New Jersey, I think - was watching one of the moon launches. I wanted that excitement to be part of my life! I never got to be an astronaut, but I did get to be part of the Planck Satellite team, and was privileged to be able to travel to the ESA Spaceport in French Guiana to watch the launch.  In between, I was lucky enough to have a supportive family, get a good education, and find inspiring teachers, mentors, and collaborators. They helped me model the universe, and helped me learn how to refine those models in the face of experimental and observational evidence. That is, they taught me to be a scientist. Why this book? The Random...
Post a Comment
Read more