Engineered Perception: The Psychological, Neurological, and Economic Mechanisms Behind the Commodification of Human Mind

In an era that promises personalization and empowerment, the modern consumer faces a paradox. Human attention, behavior, and identity are no longer private; they are mined, modeled, and monetized. This paper examines the commodification of the human mind, brain, and behavior through the lenses of psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics. Drawing from empirical studies and neurological data, it explores how digital environments reshape cognition, emotions, and identity itself. Rather than framing these dynamics as acts of malice, the paper focuses on the underlying incentive structures that lead to systemic exploitation of human vulnerabilities. In doing so, it offers a strategic framework for understanding and addressing the mental, societal, and democratic consequences of behavioral capitalism. A call for human-centered digital design emerges—one rooted in dignity, mental sovereignty, and sustainable autonomy.