How Religion and Politics Exploit Behavior Modification Techniques
How Religion and Politics Exploit Behavior Modification TechniquesPeople can use behavioral modification techniques with good or bad intentions. They can be used to help people reach goals and conquer obstacles. However, religion and politics can exploit behavior modification techniques to manipulate and control. The difference lies in their application and the degree to which they respect autonomy, privacy, and choice.
Behavioral modification methods are not new. They date back to the ancient civilizations in ancient Mesopotamia. They were part of religious indoctrination used to shape beliefs and control them. Today, these same tools are used in both religious indoctrination and political propaganda.
We'll start by looking at the roots of these tools under the umbrella known as groupthink tactics. Then, we'll review each of the primary techniques used in behavioral modification. By the conclusion, you should be able to spot these methods in the culture and social media. Throughout our discussion, we'll use the analogy of the trout to show how people are manipulated and controlled.
Making You Behave Like A Trout
We have been trained to pursue outrageous, popular, and flashy items. We act like a school of trout with short attention spans, just like our fishy friends. The anglers who design social programming understand how to create psychological triggers. They use them to maximize their return on investment.
The advertising industry, religion, and politics know how to attract us. They learn to create the right lures and get us to buy what they offer. It doesn't matter if we don't need it; they will create the need and make sure we buy it. What's behind this programming?
Groupthink Manipulation to Change Behavior
Groupthink manipulation tactics create a setting where people hold back their dissenting views.