Protecting one’s personal media field always involves analyzing the ratio of facts and judgments in a message, a conscious understanding of who is presenting information, why and in whose interests, and the need to verify both the sources of information and the content itself.
That is why most manipulations are associated with the authors’ desire to turn off the consumer’s rational mechanisms of information perception. Manipulators are best able to do this through emotional influence and influence through values. After all, when we sympathize or talk about “eternal values” or “traditional values,” i.e., things that are not discussed, we react subconsciously. Under the influence of strong emotions, we are capable of impulsive decisions, immediate reactions/actions, the realization of which comes later.
The manipulation of emotions and values is especially common during information and sense warfare, as the “weapon” of these manipulations is invisible but very effective. A person who does not analyze but automatically acts under influence is a desirable target in this war. Such a person can be easily emotionally shaken, and becomes confused, disarmed, and almost defenseless against other people’s aggressive meanings.
Therefore, in order to strengthen and reinforce the personal media field and protect oneself, one must constantly apply critical rational thinking and media literacy tools.
Instead of immediately running for validol when watching TV or online news, try to turn on rational analysis rather than the emotional format of “betrayal is victory.”
It is in the “black and white” format that propaganda messages exist, and the so-called poster language functions. Slogans, slogans, and posters inspire certain actions, but they do not contain the richness and diversity of life, and cannot and should not replace personal reflections, views, positions, and life experience. News and events should not be perceived in the paradigm of “betrayal is victory,” because this is usually exactly what manipulators need. Life is much more complex and multifaceted than black and white.
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