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Yes, Brainwashing Can be Done Online. Really. [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-01-07
Yes, brainwashing is real, and it can be perpetrated on the unsuspecting through online content. QAnon is the classic example. The QAnon followers were absolutely and successfully brainwashed by online content. The best defense is knowledge and awareness.
Heightening collective awareness and understanding of exactly how it is done is my goal. (Please forgive my use of a tool to relay and present the public body of knowledge on this subject with expediency.)
Interview:
Me: “It is true that horrific, graphic stories of atrocities can cause a "trauma" to the reader which can then put them in state susceptible to psychological manipulation?”
ChatGPT: Yes, it is true that exposure to horrific, graphic stories of atrocities can induce a form of trauma or emotional distress in readers or viewers, potentially making them more susceptible to psychological manipulation. This phenomenon has been observed and studied in the fields of psychology, communication, and propaganda analysis.
Key Points to Consider: Trauma and Emotional Overload: Graphic depictions of violence or atrocities can cause secondary trauma (also known as vicarious trauma) in individuals who consume such content.
(also known as vicarious trauma) in individuals who consume such content. Emotional overload from such exposure can impair critical thinking, as the brain prioritizes emotional responses over rational analysis when under stress. Heightened Suggestibility: Distress can increase a person’s suggestibility , making them more likely to accept information or narratives presented alongside the graphic content, even if those narratives are misleading or manipulative.
, making them more likely to accept information or narratives presented alongside the graphic content, even if those narratives are misleading or manipulative. This susceptibility is often exploited in propaganda or media campaigns to sway public opinion. Propaganda Techniques: Shock and awe tactics are used to elicit strong emotional reactions, which can be followed by prescriptive messages that seem like solutions to the distressing problem.
are used to elicit strong emotional reactions, which can be followed by prescriptive messages that seem like solutions to the distressing problem. The emotional impact can create a binary worldview, where the audience feels compelled to choose sides without critically analyzing the situation. Ethical Concerns in Media Reporting: While graphic stories can highlight important issues and inspire action, they also risk re-traumatizing victims and desensitizing or polarizing the audience if used irresponsibly. Psychological Defense Mechanisms: Readers might develop compassion fatigue, emotional numbness, or cognitive biases as a coping mechanism, which can also affect their decision-making. Conclusion: While sharing graphic stories can raise awareness, it is essential to balance the need for truth with sensitivity to the psychological impact on the audience. Recognizing these dynamics can help individuals process such information critically and protect themselves from potential manipulation. Me: Me:
How did QAnon possibly use these technique to manipulate the "qanon followers?"
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