We have a lot to be thankful for technology as it changed our lives for the better in more ways than one. However, it is also important to keep in mind that technology has its pitfalls. For instance, many claims that it is the robber of human are creativity. In one article published by a magician and design ethicist, it has also been claimed that <a href="https://medium.com/swlh/how-technology-hijacks-peoples-minds-from-a-magician-and-google-s-design-ethicist-56d62ef5edf3#.rk3tu18rd">technology hijacks the minds of people</a>. It is centered on the premise that while there are things that technology positively does to humans, there are also negative things that it can do. It takes advantage of our vulnerabilities, and in some instances, the limits of our mental skills.

In the rest of this post, we will identify some of the reasons by which technology can indeed exploit our minds. These are some of the ways by which product designers are executing their magic tricks to grab attention, and in a way, to fool you. Take time to think about these things, and for sure, you will realize how technology, especially mobile apps and websites, is not always what we think it is.
<h3>It Presents a Limited Menu</h3>
There are many applications that will present you with a limited menu. With the constrained options, you are not forced to use your mind freely. Menus can help us make a decision. In reality, they limit the decisions that we make. More often than not, we are pressured to choose only from what is specified in the menu, and we fail to look beyond or to consider other alternatives.

It Clings Into Us

There is a phenomenon that is known as the Fear of Missing Something Important. This is exactly what websites and apps do to us, especially social media. More often than not, we are too subscribed. Our life revolves on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Our emails are filled with messages from where we have subscribed to. We fear that there is something we will miss.

It Makes Us Vulnerable to Social Approval

Technology alters our personality. It puts a pressure on us to live a pretentious life just for the sake of being able to belong or fit-in with the society. From being tagged in photos to changing your profile picture, social approval can be apparent in various ways. Designers exploit our vulnerabilities by forcing us to give in to this social approval.

It Forces Social Reciprocity

Like in the case of social approval, technology forces us to do things. When someone adds you in social media, you are forced to accept it. When someone sends an email, you are forced to reply. When someone follows you, you are forced to follow back. It leaves little to the mind to think about. More often than not, your response is already set, and you fear that responding in a different manner will make you rude.