Prashasth Baliga sheds light on the dark intersection between technology, manipulation, and mental health. Through shocking real-world stories of AI-powered scams, online deception, and digital trafficking, he exposes how technology is being weaponized against human trust. But beyond the chaos, his talk is a call for empathy, urging technologists, educators, and citizens to design and act with compassion. Because in a world where AI can imitate humanity, our only safeguard is to remember what makes us truly human. Prashasth Baliga is an international voice in cybersecurity, known for leading large-scale security transformations and consulting for global enterprises. With deep expertise in cyber risk, automation, and AI security, he has led security teams at some of the world’s foremost cybersecurity companies, helping secure critical sectors including banking, fintech, government, and education.Beyond his corporate role, Prashasth is a passionate public speaker and mentor, having delivered keynotes and guest lectures at leading universities and conferences across Asia, Europe, and Australia. A strong advocate for cyber awareness and AI safety, he is committed to inspiring the next generation and promoting greater diversity in the cybersecurity field. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx