Remember laugh tracks? That annoying and often unnatural sounding, recorded laughter on early sitcoms? Some sitcoms, even those not filmed in front of a live audience, still have them.
Audience reactions shown online are often taken from one event and inserted into a video of another event to hype what is being presented. It’s also an attempt by the poster to control what viewers feel and think.
Powerful politicians show us photos and videos of enormous crowds who never attended their events.
Our brains are being treated like pieces of plastic in a factory being nudged down chutes toward (re)molding machines.
Unless we refuse this journey, unless we choose our own direction, we will find ourselves formed into something we will not recognize as ourselves.
This doesn’t just happen in politics, or the media, or commerce. It also happens when we experience quiet, micro nudges from strangers, friends, colleagues, and family members. We all crave acceptance, but this journey will not lead us toward being accepted for our unique and authentic selves. Rather it will end with us becoming one more widget in the commerce machine. A machine run by those who already have more than they could ever need.
Sometimes passing can save your life, but it can steal your life from you too.
Cinse Bonino
2026
