From whom we elect, to how we protect our hard-earned cash and manage our health, digital and social media influences nearly every decision we make.

Traditional sources of trust; governments, banks, doctors, and mainstream news media, are being replaced by algorithms, influencers, and online communities. How we navigate life is no longer shaped solely by institutions, but by the constant stream of digital information and social validation.

In the UK, over 70% of adults get their news online, matching television at 70%, whilst over half use social media.  Similarly, in the US, 18% of adults now prefer social media for news.  So what?  That’s a small percentage.  It is, but crucially this is a staggering 6% point increase in just one year, with society ever-more reliant on algorithm-driven feeds that prioritise engagement over accuracy.

Just as digital platforms are radically and permanently reshaping how we consume news; they are transforming how we approach healthcare. With the NHS backlog in the UK and high costs in the US, people are trying to take control through technology. The $104 billion health tech industry grew by over 16% in 2024, as more individuals turned to digital solutions:

  • Wearable Tech: 44% of Americans and 43% of Brits now use devices like smartwatches to track their health
  • Pharma’s Digital Shift: Pharmaceutical companies are allocating $19.5 billion to digital ads and influencer partnerships
  • Health Influencers: Millions rely on TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram for wellness advice instead of traditional medical professionals

Beyond health, social media is reshaping how younger generations handle money, with 56% of Gen Z turning to TikTok and YouTube for financial advice. Retail investing apps have grown 300% since 2022, driven by viral stock tips and crypto trends from ‘finfluencers’, influencing millions. Whilst this makes financial knowledge more accessible to a larger audience, it comes with risks like misinformation and unregulated advice.

How would St. Valentine feel about love being controlled by technology?  Arguably it is.  Dating apps now bring together 40% of U.S. couples, relying on AI-driven compatibility scores to predict how well they might match.

Whilst digital platforms empower us, they carry risks:

  • Algorithmic Manipulation: AI-driven feeds prioritise engagement over accuracy, spreading biased or misleading content
  • Erosion of Trust in Experts: Scepticism toward institutions has led people to replace qualified professionals with influencers or online communities
  • Misinformation & Echo Chambers: Social media reinforces biases by showing users only what aligns with their beliefs
  • Financial & Health Risks: Unregulated advice from ‘finfluencers’ or wellness influencers can lead to scams or harmful self-diagnoses

Many of us grew up in a more human era, but for those without the Old World reference framework that drives healthy scepticism and keeps us fact-checking, sensitivity to these risks is worrying low.
Digital platforms make our lives easier and more connected, but they also influence our decisions in ways we might not even notice.

Algorithms steer what we believe and how we manage our health, finances, and even our relationships, but at what cost? If curated feeds and influencer opinions are shaping our actions, can we really call them our own? As we move deeper into this algorithmic age, the challenge is not just embracing digital tools but ensuring we remain in control of the choices that define our lives.