A Qualitative Study of How AI Influences Subconscious Decision-Making in Digital Nudges Across Social Media Platforms

AI-curated digital nudges on social media platforms subtly influence user decisions, frequently bypassing conscious awareness. This qualitative study analyzes publicly available user generated content on Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to explore how AI-driven suggestions shape subconscious decision making through emotional and identity-based cues. Thematic and discourse analyses identify key emotional triggers such as FOMO and belonging, shedding light on users’ rationalizations of AI influence. Digital ethnography maps complex recommendation pathways illustrating cascading AI nudges. This research informs AI ethics, regulatory transparency debates, and platform design to mitigate covert manipulations while enhancing digital well being. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on algorithmic influence by providing empirical insights from user narratives, highlighting the need for greater transparency in AI systems. By examining real-world user experiences, it underscores the potential risks of subconscious manipulation and proposes practical recommendations for stakeholders.