Propaganda is a key driver of today’s consumer culture, but it hasn’t always been like this. By looking back at where modern propaganda techniques came from, we can be become more aware of how propagandists operate, and how to think critically about their messages. Here’s the story behind modern propaganda, beginning with a journalist named Edward Bernays.
Up Next in S5: Propaganda
-
The Power of Authority
A message can sound true just because its source looks authoritative. Some famous experiments in the 60’s showed just how psychologically powerful authority is, revealing that over two thirds of normal adults will unwillingly hurt someone just because an authority figure says to. Knowing how pers...
-
The Power of Conformity
Is a message true because many people seem to think so? Logic says no, but psychology shows that popular opinion is incredibly persuasive. Research reveals that a third of students will give a wrong answer to an easy question, just because everyone else does. People are also less likely to think ...
-
The Power of Repeated Messages
Repeating a lie can’t make it true, but repetition is sure an effective propaganda technique. Here are some studies that illustrate the incredible persuasive force of repetition, powerful enough to make people call a dubious statement true—even if they originally knew it was false. Amazingly, the...
