Propaganda is unavoidable. Everyone falls victim to it no matter how smart they are or which country they live in. Your thoughts are less what you think on your own and more of what you’ve allowed yourself to believe.
It’s not easy to admit this reality. And, it’s natural to see yourself as smarter than those around you. “You’re repeating propaganda!” is a common response toward someone who aligns themself with a different narrative. With social media becoming an echo chamber of reinforcing the beliefs of the user, of course the response to different opinions is aggression.
Agreeableness is sales tactic. It’s why AI often tells you, “You are right!” versus “Actually, the information you provided may not be true. Here is why…”. Being told “we’re right” makes us feel better. And when we feel better, we continue to use the product. The pusher makes his money and the addict keeps coming back.
I often would disagree with members of my family when I called out things like this (e.g., the media isn’t being as honest with us as we think). It wasn’t comfortable for them. The idea of NOT believing the media was too frightening — they needed to rely on a “trusted” source for their news, without question. Maybe questioning was too much work? It can be, but work worth pursuing if you really care.
Which brings up the question, is the news you’re watching worth your time? Are you watching to be more informed or to be entertained? Do you watch news to reinforce your emotions — to make you feel anger toward someone or a group of others? Or to stay informed on events that actually affect your day-to-day life?
These are important questions, I think. Your time is the most valuable asset in the world. Being an entrepreneur, a husband, and a father made me realize this more than ever. It’s helped me notice why people are quick to blame by slow to act. Blaming is the gateway drug to being a victim of propaganda.
We’re all victims at one point. Some of us more than others. Propaganda is part of our daily lives. It’s unavoidable.
What is avoidable is saying “no”. Say no to believing things just because they make you feel better. Understand things you may not like may be true. Don’t put too much of your faith in others, especially when they’ve been propped up to solve your problems… unless you enjoy being disappointed.