New technologies are offering companies, politicians, and others unprecedented opportunity to manipulate us. Sometimes we are given the illusion of power - of freedom - through choice, yet the game is rigged, pushing us in specific directions that lead to less wealth, worse health, and weaker democracy. In, Manipulation, nudge theory pioneer and New York Times bestselling author, Cass Sunstein, offers a new definition of manipulation for the digital age, explains why it is wrong; and shows what we can do about it. He reveals how manipulation compromises freedom and personal agency, while threatening to reduce our well-being; he explains the difference between manipulation and unobjectionable forms of influence, including 'nudges'; and he lifts the lid on online manipulation and manipulation by artificial intelligence, algorithms, and generative AI, as well as threats posed by deepfakes, social media, and 'dark patterns,' which can trap people into giving up time and money. Drawing on decades of groundbreaking research in behavioral science, this landmark book outlines steps we can take to counteract manipulation in our daily lives and offers expert guidance to protect consumers, investors, and workers.

‘We are all familiar with manipulation, in politics, commerce, even our everyday lives. Yet it is hard to say either what manipulation is or what should be done about it. Cass Sunstein has given us a book that is both deep and wide-ranging, written with verve and charm. It is the best book yet on the ethical, legal, and policy aspects of manipulation.'

T. M. Wilkinson - University of Auckland

‘This outstanding book is a must-read for anyone interested in what manipulation is, why it's bad, and what to do about it. Drawing on Sunstein's extraordinary career in academia and government, it moves seamlessly through psychology, law, and public policy. The result is a groundbreaking combination of rigorous thinking about what manipulation is, and sensible, concrete proposals for combating it. Its clear and engaging writing will appeal equally to scholars, policymakers, and the general reader.'

Robert Noggle - Professor of Philosophy, Central Michigan University, and author of Manipulation: Its Nature, Mechanisms, and Moral Status