The difference is that today there is an all-powerful AI that has managed to infiltrate every screen and mediate every digital interaction as a monetization opp

The difference is that today there is an all-powerful AI that has managed to infiltrate every screen and mediate every digital interaction as a monetization opportunity with advertising. In other words, an endlessly profitable persuasion machine that dances to the tune of dollar bills and will happily push whatever narrative is most effective at widening and strengthening that conduit, i.e. maximizes engagement. It twists our preferences gradually, a little at a time, knowing full well that to risk it all with bold and obvious propaganda risks shattering the ruse and scaring you off.