Emoji Therapy & Tech Truths - Scammed, Tracked & Algorithmically Attacked

This information is also available on my YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/RemQEU4mcEw    

If you prefer, you can also listen to this information on my Podcast at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/norbert-gostischa/episodes/Emoji-Therapy--Tech-Truths---The-Digital-Jungle-We-Call-Life-e33t4q9

"Welcome back to Emoji Therapy & Tech Truths, where we peel back the digital curtain and let the cold, hard (and hilarious) truth shine in. Today we’re tackling some of the more sinister side effects of our wired world: love scams, algorithmic echo chambers, and corporations that scream "green!" while dumping sludge behind the scenes. Let’s go."

"Let’s kick off with ❤️… or more accurately, 💔.

Romance scams are on the rise, and they're more sophisticated than ever. These fraudsters don’t just slide into your DMs with a cheesy pickup line. No, they build entire emotional relationships before asking for money to "get out of a jam" or "come visit you"... spoiler alert: they never do."

"This is emotional manipulation with a price tag. And while it used to be catfishers on sketchy dating sites, now it's fake profiles on Facebook, Instagram, even LinkedIn. If someone says they love you before they know your last name, ask for a video call. And maybe a driver's license."

"Moving on to 🧠

Let’s talk about algorithmic bias. Social media platforms feed you what keeps you scrolling — not what's true, not what's balanced. Just what triggers you enough to keep you glued."

"You like puppies? Great. You clicked on one conspiracy video in 2022? Welcome to a rabbit hole that ends in a bunker stocked with canned beans and outrage."

"These platforms aren't broken — they're working exactly as designed. The more divisive the content, the better it performs. Rage is engagement. Misinformation makes money. That’s the business model."

"Next emoji in the lineup: 🟢

Let’s talk about greenwashing. Ever notice how every product is now "eco-friendly," "sustainable," or "made with recycled dolphin tears"? Corporations have figured out that slapping a green label on something boosts sales — even if it’s total nonsense."

"One major oil company recently rebranded their gas stations with leafy logos and soft pastel palettes. It's like putting a band-aid on an oil spill and calling it organic."

"Always read the fine print. If a product says it's saving the planet, ask how. Ask who certified it. Ask whether it comes with a complimentary reusable guilt trip."

"Let’s do a quickfire emoji check-in:"

"💸 Hidden fees are still bleeding wallets dry.

🤖 Chatbots are still confidently hallucinating.

📉 Trust in tech is doing the limbo.

But hey, at least the emojis are honest."

"The bottom line: 

The internet is an incredible tool — but like any power tool, it can maim you if you’re not paying attention. Romance isn’t always real, your feed isn’t always fair, and not every green label is good for the planet. Know the game, and don’t be played."

"Here’s your question to think about this week:

When was the last time your feed showed you something you didn’t already believe? If the answer is never, maybe it’s time to shake the algorithm."

(AI was used to aid in the creation of this article.)

"I’ll see you again soon. Bye-bye and thanks for reading, watching, and listening."