University of Twente Student Theses
Manipulation, Aggravation, Autonomy and IoT : Developing an understanding of manipulation by IoT devices
Kaptijn, J. (2025) Manipulation, Aggravation, Autonomy and IoT : Developing an understanding of manipulation by IoT devices.
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| Abstract: | This thesis answers the question, “How can individual IoT users in a neoliberal society develop an understanding of manipulation by concrete IoT devices that negatively impact their autonomy?” By stating users can use aggravating webs to achieve this goal. The first chapter answers the question, “What differentiates digital manipulation by IoT devices from non-digital manipulation?”. It defines manipulation as “an attempt to change an individual’s behaviour by undermining their decision-making process by using means of deception or playing on a vulnerability the individual has.”.It separates digital manipulation from non-digital manipulation by five aggravating factors that increase its potency: personalisation, flow, opacity, and lack of user control and omnipresence. The second chapter answers the question: “How should we understand the relationship between IoT’s aggravating factors and their impact on different dimensions of personal autonomy?” It demonstrates that all the previously stated aggravating factors are present in IoT devices and how, through these factors, IoT devices can diminish specific dimensions of autonomy. Chapter three answers the question: “How can the interplay between aggravating factors in IoT devices be analysed to safeguard personal autonomy against manipulation?” and introduces aggravating webs as a framework for understanding how these factors interconnect in IoT manipulation. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 08 philosophy |
| Programme: | Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society MSc (60024) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/105267 |
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