"The only question would be is it harmful or exploitive to the one being manipulated ? If so , how can we tell ?"
"It is n't possible to tell . What is called the `` scientific `` approach is to analyse social statistics to derive probabilities , a methodology which assumes that the present is the same as the past , all well and good for the physical sciences , where the way particles behave does not change , but inappropriate in application to complex systems like people , that may react in ways totally unanticipated . Not only is unpredictability inherent in such systems , but the more ways you try to manipulate them , the more uncertain the reaction to any particular intervention becomes . So what do you do then , just take this method anyway , even given you ca n't predict the results , just take your best shot ? When it fails , just say `` oops , well , we had good intentions , we ca n't be blamed `` . If that 's all we have to work with , we are truly screwed . There are however , alternative ways of deciding whether you should do something to trying to predict its outcome ."
"manipulated If so , how can we tell ?"
"It is n't possible to tell . What is called the `` scientific `` approach is to analyse social statistics but inappropriate in application to complex systems like people the more ways you try to manipulate them , the more uncertain the reaction"