This Week's Spotlight: "Hacking the System: How to Influence AI Before It Influences You"

In this week’s issue, we dive deep into one of the most critical skills of the modern era: AI literacy and influence. Based on the thought-provoking new book, "Hacking the System," we explore how today's AI models — from ChatGPT to TikTok’s recommendation engines — subtly shape our decisions, habits, and desires, often without us even realizing it. But what if, instead of being manipulated, you could turn the tables and influence the AI itself?

The book is divided into three powerful parts. The first lays the groundwork for understanding how modern AI models work. Readers learn how tech giants train and deploy AI models like GPT, Claude, and LLaMA to influence purchasing decisions, shape opinions, and control the flow of information. It argues that without AI literacy, especially among younger generations growing up surrounded by these systems, individuals risk becoming passive targets of manipulation.

The second section shifts gears: how to manipulate AI models. Through real-world examples, the book illustrates how clever individuals have gamed AI systems in ways both humorous and impactful. From Simon Weckert’s Google Maps "traffic jam" prank to indie musicians hacking Spotify playlists, the case studies show that AI models — for all their complexity — are still vulnerable to creative human intervention.

The final part of the book offers a practical guide to nudging AI systems in your favor. Readers will learn techniques to better control recommendation feeds, steer chatbot conversations, and even influence algorithm-driven pricing models. The message is clear: those who understand how AI thinks will be the ones who thrive in an AI-driven world.

We also highlight some of the most fascinating real-world exploits:

• Google Maps Jam Hoax: 99 smartphones in a cart faked a traffic jam, showing how easily real-world systems can be misled.

• TikTok’s For You Page Tuning: Users systematically trained their own algorithmic feeds, creating “NicheTok” subcultures.

• Spotify Playlist Hacking: Indie artists boosted their visibility by slipping songs into cleverly-named playlists.

• ChatGPT Jailbreaks and Prompt Hacking: Users figured out ways to bypass AI guardrails and even reveal hidden instructions behind chatbots.

The underlying theme? AI models mirror the data and behaviors they see. Those who understand the underlying mechanics can subtly (or sometimes not-so-subtly) bend these systems toward their own goals.

As AI continues to blend deeper into every corner of business, entertainment, and social life, "Hacking the System" is both a warning and a guidebook. It urges readers not to passively accept the AI-driven future, but to actively engage with it — and shape it to their advantage.

Stay with us this week as we break down the key insights, practical techniques, and ethical debates surrounding AI manipulation. Mastering AI literacy might just be the superpower of the 21st century.