If you think you’re in control of your decisions, you might want to ask your AI assistant who’s really pulling the strings. Dr. Louis Rosenberg, a pioneer in virtual and augmented reality, warns that as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, it threatens human autonomy. In a discussion on the Synthetic Minds podcast, Rosenberg explores how conversational AI can subtly influence human behavior, from steering consumer choices to predicting personal preferences. The convenience of AI may come at the cost of our ability to make independent decisions, as algorithms quietly shape our lives. Dr. Rosenberg highlights concerns over "conversational advertising" and the ethical dilemmas that arise when AI-driven interactions blur the line between genuine human choices and AI manipulation. The conversation calls for stricter AI regulations and transparency to protect personal agency. Will we act before AI turns our decisions into predictable algorithmic outputs, or is free will already slipping from our grasp? Dr. Louis Rosenberg is a computer scientist, author, inventor, and entrepreneur. He is best known as an early pioneer of virtual reality, mixed reality, and haptics, and as a longtime AI researcher of Swarm Intelligence. Since 2014, Rosenberg has been CEO and Chief Scientist of Unanimous AI, a company that amplifies group intelligence in pursuit of Collective Superintelligence. His books about AI include Upgrade, Monkey Room, Arrival Mind and Our Next Reality. Rosenberg also writes for major publications about the dangers of technology.