Bandwagon Effect: Because Everyone Can’t Be Wrong …. Right?
If everyone else seems to be doing something, people tend to join in without asking whether it’s actually the right thing.
Media Influence
8 Propaganda Techniques To Make Us Believe in Aliens
Here’s 8 recognised techniques of persuasion and influence which make us believe in Aliens despite there being no evidence.
The Testimonial Technique: When the Person’s Credibility is the Proof
The testimonial technique doesn’t only influence us to buy products and services. It also promotes ideas, beliefs, and worldviews.
Transfer in Propaganda: Standing Next to the Clever Person
Transfer is a propaganda technique which borrows someone else’s good reputation, hoping it rubs off on what you’re promoting
Glittering Generalities: They Sound Good but Mean Litttle
Like a verbal inkblot test, glittering generalities say almost nothing, yet invite the audience to supply the meaning themselves
Name Calling: How to Persuade By Attaching a Label
I don’t like who you are, therefore you’re wrong. When it’s easier to question someone’s character than their reasoning.
Card Stacking Propaganda: Movie Trailers to Conspiracy Theories
You know when you watch that movie trailer that looks really good, and then it turns out a bit rubbish?
What is Propaganda? From the Church to Carrots to David Icke
Propaganda isn’t only about flag waving and Cold War food shortages, it’s also about selling coffee, bottled water and conspiracy theories
The Pseudo-Event: The Staged Story Designed to Influence You
How many stories and events in the media are deliberately staged to make the viewer want to do the same?
The Illusion of Choice: The Magician and The Conspiracy Theorist
We are often given the choice between more than one option, but what if those choices all lead in the same direction?
How Social Identity Influences Our Beliefs
Once we have decided what sort of person we want to be, and what group of people we belong to, it’s easy for external influence to supply our choices, opinions and beliefs.
Authority Bias: When Deferring to Someone in Charge Goes Wrong
We often look to people with seniority or official status for guidance, but what happens when they are wrong?
Rhetoric Meaning and Examples: From Ancient Rome to David Icke
See how politicians, David Icke and your HR department uses rhetorical language to persuade you.
Framing in Psychology: Definition and Examples
How the words and language used by a TV news announcement immediately puts you in a particular emotional state.
Priming Psychology: Definition, Types and Examples
How a stage mentalist, a streaming service and a supermarket all use psychological priming to influence and persuade you.
