How Ads, Phones, and Predictive Tech Have Redefined Free Will (and Maybe How to Trick It)
“I never searched for that.”
“I only mentioned it in a phone call.”
“Now it’s showing up in my ads.”
If you’ve said this, congratulations, you’re officially living in the world of surveillance capitalism, where predictive algorithms know you better than you know yourself.
We like to think we’re in control. That our thoughts are ours. That our desires are private.
But if you’ve ever talked about hiking boots and then had REI show up in your Facebook feed, you’ve already experienced what many call the illusion of free will, a world shaped not by direct coercion, but by gentle invisible nudges.
So, my friend Tom had an idea:
“Maybe we should start talking about people giving us money. If the phones are listening, maybe someone will finally just send us a check.”
Ridiculous? Maybe.
But is it really any more absurd than a world where you don’t even need to search something for your phone to know you want it?
Let’s break it down.
🎧 Is Your Phone Actually Listening to You?
Tech companies will tell you no. They claim they’re not secretly recording your conversations and that it’s all just a coincidence.
But if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…
The truth is, whether or not the microphone is literally capturing your conversation, your phone is absolutely tracking your behavior:
- Who you talk to
- Where you go
- What your friends search for
- What you hover over (even if you don’t click)
- What’s near you on the same Wi-Fi network
Combine all that, and suddenly your “private” conversation about camping turns into a REI-sponsored ad for mosquito-repellent hammocks and portable espresso makers.
It’s not magic. It’s just really creepy data science.
🧠 The Illusion of Free Will
This is where it gets deeper, and spiritual.
You’re not being forced to buy anything. You’re not being told what to think.
But you’re being gently nudged, over and over, until it feels like your idea.
It’s like temptation in digital form:
“Did God really say you shouldn’t buy that weighted blanket at 2am?”
“Surely you won’t die if you open your wallet for that targeted supplement plan.”
The Bible talks a lot about discernment. About testing spirits. About being wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16)
This world doesn’t shove evil in your face, it just suggests things until you forget they weren’t your idea to begin with.
🤖 Is This the AI Beast System? Not Necessarily.
Let’s be clear:
This post isn’t a flip from our last message, where we warned against demonizing AI just because it’s new or powerful.
That article reminded us: tools are neutral, intent matters.
What we’re exposing here isn’t the tool but the system, one driven by profit, behavior shaping, and the slow erosion of human agency.
AI can still be used to teach truth, reveal scripture, and help people formulate ideas.
But surveillance capitalism and data-driven nudging? That’s a different beast entirely, one that thrives on you feeling like you’re in control when you’re not.
💸 Let’s Talk About Receiving Money Then
So, Tom’s idea? Honestly, let’s try it.
Let’s start saying things like:
“I just wish someone would randomly wire me $10,000 to support my ministry and book writing.”
Or:
“Wow, I can’t believe people are just giving away free vacations to Christian authors these days.”
Let’s confuse the algorithm. Let’s trick the system into thinking we’re wealth attractors.
It might not work.
But at least we’ll have fun annoying the predictive ad machine.
🙏 The Real Free Will Still Matters
In a world of digital suggestions, choosing to live by the Spirit, not the scroll, is a rebellious act.
Your choices still matter.
Your values still matter.
And yes, your discernment still beats their data.
So the next time you get served an ad for something you merely thought about, just smile and whisper back:
“I see you, algorithm. But I already have all I need in Christ.”
…Then say something about receiving surprise money, just in case it works.
Troy P Zehnder 