I've noticed that since I started using TikTok and Instagram, I see tons of content about manifestation, crystals, and astrology. So I'm wondering if that's really just a coincidence or if the algorithms are deliberately pushing me toward these topics. Does that count as a form of spiritual manipulation?
TikTok and Insta algos are basically trying to keep you on the app as long as possible, so if you watch a video about astrology, the algo will recommend more of them because it keeps you engaged 🎯 It's not really "spiritual" manipulation per se, but more that the algo amplifies your existing interests - if you like something, you see more similar content, which can create a bubble where that topic seems to be everywhere. The real question is more like: were you already clicking on that kind of content to begin with, or did the algo actually push you to get interested in it? That changes the nature of the problem quite a bit.
You're right that it's not random, but it's not really spiritual manipulation - it's just that the algorithm notices what makes you scroll and feeds you more of it, that's all. The real question is more like: were you already looking for those topics before, or did the content bubble actually push you into it?
The most important thing is that you keep some distance and ask yourself questions about what you're consuming, rather than just accepting it passively. Algos don't create your beliefs from scratch, but they amplify them massively - so if you have even a small curiosity about astrology, you'll end up in a bubble where that's the only content you're shown. It's not spiritual manipulation in the sense that someone's plotting to convert you, but it's still a huge bias that can make you think those subjects are more important or more popular than they actually are.
What people often forget is that this mechanism also creates a kind of confirmation of your interests. You see a lot of content about crystals, so you think "hey, maybe that's true," and then you click on it, and the algo understands that you like it and shows you more. It's a feedback loop, not really intentional manipulation but the effect is similar. The trap is that it's easy to get lost in it and think you're exploring freely when actually you've just been locked into a really narrow corridor of content.
If it really interests you, the best approach is to seek out sources outside the algos - books, podcasts that aren't recommended by a machine - and ask yourself why you want to believe in this or that. There's nothing wrong with exploring spirituality, but it's better to do it while keeping your eyes open to the fact that your feed is really not a representation of reality.
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