Conscious Manipulation Research Articles

ПРОПАГАНДИСТСЬКІ НАРАТИВИ У СВІДОМОСТІ УКРАЇНЦІВ В УМОВАХ ПОВНОМАСШТАБНОГО ВТОРГНЕННЯ РОСІЇ

The article examines propaganda narratives existing in the minds of Ukrainians during the full-scale Russia invasion to the territory of Ukraine. Theoretical generalizations regarding the essence of propaganda and Russia's propaganda in relation to neighbouring countries, in general, and Ukraine, in particular, are presented. Propaganda is a powerful method of influence on modern society and has several inherent substantive and organizational features of its functioning with consciousness manipulation at the core of this process. This means management of the behaviour of an individual, a certain social group, a society or a planetary society by using hidden methods of sociopsychological influence on people's consciousness to ensure private, different from an individual's own, interests of people, social groups, institutions, state and public structures. During the full-scale Russian invasion, propaganda narratives are used to justify the invasion, demonize the enemy and rally support for the military campaign. Using the content analysis of Putin's and Zelensky's speeches, we singled out narratives that were combined into three main ones: 1. Ukraine oppresses the Russian-speaking part of society; Russia and Ukraine are brotherly nations. 2. Ukraine is a puppet of the West (all politics are in the hands of the West); 3. Ukraine is an independent country and Russia is an aggressor. It was found that the most popular propaganda narrative is: “Ukraine is independent and Russia is an aggressor”. Psychological characteristics of three groups of people depending narrative selected by them were presented. Statistically significant correlations between age, educational level and selected narratives were revealed. The respondents aged 18-24 used significantly less often the narratives about Russian-speaking population oppression in Ukraine, compared to people aged 25-45 and 46-60. Older people with full higher education used more often the narrative about Russian-speaking population oppression. Gender differences were found at the trend level: women more often chose the narrative on Ukrainian independence. Respondents who lived abroad more often chose narratives with “Ukraine is a puppet of the West” theme.

DISINFORMATION AND FAKE NEWS: FEATURES AND METHODS OF DETECTION ON THE INTERNET

The development of the global Internet, the large-scale introduction of fast and free online services not only expanded the possibilities of access to information, but also changed the principles of communication of society. Due to the simplification of the mechanisms for creating and disseminating news via the Internet, as well as the physical impossibility to verify huge amounts of information circulating in the network, the spread of disinformation and fake news has increased dramatically. In view of this, detecting false news is an important task that not only ensures that users are provided with verified information and prevent manipulation of public consciousness, but also helps to maintain a reliable news ecosystem. According to the analysis of international organizations and scientific publications, disinformation is false, misleading, manipulative information created deliberately for the sake of economic, political or other benefits, and fake news is one of the methods of its dissemination. Fake news is characterized by the following features: false manipulative content; aiming to deliberately mislead, disorient the consumer; presenting information on behalf of false or anonymous sources; inconsistency with the content of the headline; use of rumors and satire; aiming to criticize social or political issues; imitation of legitimate news; dissemination on the Internet; economic or political motives of creation. As a result of the study, it was found that Internet users, through conscious perception of information and a responsible approach to its dissemination, can reduce the effectiveness of disinformation and fake news tools. It is noted that a proven method to avoid false information is to receive news from reliable sources. However, in order to identify fake news, it is advisable to use such methods as: analysis of the source, content and headline of the news; checking information about the author and sources referred to in the message; checking the "freshness" of the news; using fact-checking tools; consulting with an expert; analyzing own emotional reaction to the news, etc.

On the issue of media manipulation in the Ukrainian information space: context and review of the book “The Nation of Vegetables? How Information Changes the Thinking and Behavior of Ukrainians” by Oksana Moroz

This article examines the issue of media manipulation in the Ukrainian information environment on the example of the book dedicated to this issue by Oksana Moroz “The Nation of Vegetables? How Information Changes the Thinking and Behavior of Ukrainians”. Oksana Moroz was the first in Ukraine to systematically collect and disclose technologies and practices that are used to create media viruses and manipulate the mass consciousness of citizens through the media. The Ukrainian edition is placed in the global context of this issue with an emphasis on such phenomena as information explosion, information fatigue syndrome, data accumulation, information vulnerability of modern humans, artificial intelligence, and integration of individuals and the technologies created by humans. The constructive contribution of the author to the study of this issue and the solution of the problem of manipulation of mass consciousness in Ukrainian society are analyzed. The author gives a lot of insider information gained over the years of working behind the scenes of the media, her book is filled with descriptions of real mechanisms and schemes, which, depending on the available budget, tasks, and tools, create the “information viruses” or large-scale media manipulation in the Ukrainian information area. The main factors of information hygiene formation and their probable effectiveness in the Ukrainian environment are indicated. If people will understand the tools used to manipulate the masses through various media and will be able to track this instrumental footprint, there will be a real way to sort out the situation in the Ukrainian media space. This publication is an attempt to start a discussion and draw attention to an urgent problem that requires a systematic solution at the level of media market regulators in Ukraine and active actions to introduce information hygiene on a national scale.

Sociocultural peculiarities of manipulation of public consciousness in the USA and Russia

The article offers a comparative analysis of myths disseminated in American and Russian public discourse. The authors argue that the way myths are used as a tool of manipulating public consciousness depends on a number of social and cultural peculiarities of Russia and the USA. We demonstrate that manipulation through myths is based on universal cognitive mechanisms; therefore, both countries may use similar myths to achieve particular goals in governmental interests. On the other hand, effective manipulation becomes possible when ideas rendered by myths are understandable and appealing to a particular nation or group of people at a particular moment. Given that, political leaders of both countries manage to shape the way people understand themselves and their country in relation to the world. It helps them to maintain their interests in domestic and foreign policy.

At the Еpicenter of U.S. Intelligence Networks

The article presents an analytical review of the memoirs of former U.S. intelligence agent Edward Snowden [Edward Snowden, 2020], whose revelations raised the question of total U.S. surveillance of citizens and the erosion of the foundations of Western liberal democracy. The conclusion is made about the alarming trends of digitalization, leading to the withdrawal of modern technologies from the control of civil society. Using the example of Edward Snowden's professional activity and career path in the CIA and the NSA, the conclusion is made about the "privatization" trends in the activities of U.S. intelligence, expressed in the broad involvement of numerous subcontractor companies and employees working under contracts with commercial non-state structures. The lack of control on the part of civil society and the mass media over the activities of the state in the information sphere is stated, due not only to the aggressive manipulation of public consciousness by the state and telecommunication corporations dependent on it, but also the lack of critical thinking skills and professional analysis of information flows among the mass consumer of information technologies.

Comment as a tool of manipulation of public consciousness in conditions of war (on the issue of information and psychological operations)

Comment as a tool of manipulation of public consciousness in conditions of war (on the issue of information and psychological operations)

Non-violence as a philosophical problem

At present, the transformation of ethical, social, cultural, and geopolitical processes in our social reality at a new level requires from humanity a special qualitative formation of the level of consciousness. In this regard, we consider it appropriate to form detailed discourses about the constructor of the phenomenon of cruelty, its effectiveness. When it comes to the problem of non-violence, many do not believe in the viability of this phenomenon in today's reality. Since the issues of non-violence, worrying human consciousness since ancient times, have not found proper application in the course of practice. At present, humanity is increasingly facing the negative consequences of ignoring the doctrine of non-violence. The modern world is disintegrating on a substantial level, it is chaotic. Therefore, such ideological programs and actions as global contradictions, manipulation of public consciousness, terrorism, the threat of the use of nuclear weapons, religious and ethnic tensions, new movements and groups, doctrines of various persuasions and directions, require the study of the essence and meaning of non-violence in accordance with the trends of the time. In the global era, the rapid development of scientific and technical innovations, in addition to significant achievements in human life, creates new problems and prompts a new analysis of the fundamental question of the future of humanity. In recent times, new types and forms of abuse have appeared, and the fact that they cause great evil in an underground way makes it necessary to turn the idea of non-abuse into a life practice. In this article, a step is taken to differentiate thoughts about how the idea became a doctrine in the historical scene and the scope of its application today.

Pejoratives as a means of verbal manipulation in the English discourse of social media TikTok and Twitter in the context of anti-Ukrainian propaganda

In the course of the informational component of the Russian Federation’s hybrid war against Ukraine, social networks remain a powerful weapon of Russian propaganda. Kremlin Internet trolls have chosen social networks as a tool for spreading anti-Ukrainian narratives, the latter social networks today are a favorable platform for the use of manipulative technologies of verbal influence. Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kremlin trolls have emphasized the intensification of their work in the English-speaking segment of the social network, and they are especially active on one of the most popular social networks today, TikTok and Twitter. Language is the most powerful means of manipulation; accordingly, effective manipulation of consciousness is practically impossible without the use of verbal means of manipulation. That is why the study of strategies, tactics and linguistic means of verbal manipulation, which are used to spread anti-Ukrainian narratives, is an important task for modern linguistic studies. The purpose of the study is the analysis of verbal means of manipulative influence, which are used to spread anti-Ukrainian narratives, in particular, such a powerful linguistic means of manipulative discourse as pejorative vocabulary. To solve the tasks set in the work, the method of information analysis, the synthesis method, the continuous sampling method, and the descriptive method was used. It was found that to spread anti-Ukrainian narratives in the English-language segment of social networks TikTok and Twitter, Kremlin trolls resort to such manipulative means as discrediting strategies and tactics of criticism and accusations, the implementation of which is achieved through the use of pejorative vocabulary. Identifying and analyzing the means of verbal manipulation used by the Kremlin to spread anti-Ukrainian propaganda is one of the primary tasks for researchers in the fields of humanities, social and behavioral sciences because the spread of anti-Ukrainian propaganda threatens the image of Ukraine, can provoke inter-ethnic and inter-racial conflicts, and also carries a threat to diplomatic relations with partner countries.

Евромайдан: криминолого-правовой анализ

Introduction. The article highlights the events related to the consequences of the nazification of Ukraine, the central link of which was the Euromaidan. The purpose is a criminological and legal analysis of the current situation in the sphere of Russian-Ukrainian relations and the establishment of imperatives to respond to it. The methodology of criminological and legal analysis is based on dialectical, historical, sociological and logical methods. Results. The article is based on the materials of an on-line survey of 286 respondents conducted in March 2022 in Omsk and St. Petersburg. The article discusses the consequences of choosing Ukraine in favor of European integration; the flight of the Russian elite after the start of a special Russian operation, the problem of collaboration and measures to counter it. The issues of manipulation of consciousness and Russophobia, the policy of anti-Russian sanctions and its effectiveness are considered. Conclusion. Euromaidan is a civilizational choice of Ukraine, criminal for its political leadership and the Nazis, tragic for the population. Not only Ukrainians, but also many citizens of Russia do not understand this. The imperatives of the current situation are the conduct of educational work among young people, the adoption of legal measures against collaborators. Itis strategically important to ensure the full-scale inclusion of patriotic resources in the system of domestic propaganda, which in many respects remains focused on Western attitudes.

Theories of mass consciousness manipulation: "Overton's window" and "spiral of silence"

Theories of mass consciousness manipulation: "Overton's window" and "spiral of silence"

СТРАТЕГИИ И ТАКТИКИ САМОПРЕДЪЯВЛЕНИЯ КАК ФАКТОРЫ МЕЖЛИЧНОСТНОГО ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ

The article presents the results of a generalizing systematization of studies on the phenomenon of self-presentation carried out by Russian and foreign authors. There is no generally accepted definition of this concept, the available terms are conditionally considered in the context of motivational, personal, and situational approaches that determine this phenomenon. Each of the approaches has its own criteria, which are put forward as acceptable units of psychological measurement. The aim of the study is to offer the theoretical foundations for studying the phenomenon of self-presentation as a psychological construct manifested in its various strategies and tactics; the research is based on aspect analysis of Russian and foreign studies. To achieve the goal, a theoretical method was used to deconstruct the content of the main scientific sources on foreign and domestic psychology. It has been established that Russian and foreign researchers note the role of self-presentation as an integral component of interpersonal interactions. Many of the foreign works are based on the concept of «social dramaturgy», where the basic notions are «self-image», «social role», «self-expression», and «self-presentation». In Russian psychology, self-presentation is most often considered as a mechanism or a means of a person’s self-expression, a form of manipulative behavior, a type of personal activity, and an aspect of the communicative process. Some Russian and foreign authors consider self-presentation to be a manifestation of conscious manipulation based on subject-to-object relations. Other scientists believe that it is a mechanism for regulating one’s own behavior as part of subject-to-subject relations. The identification of strategies and tactics of self-presentation is presented in a variety of approaches by foreign authors. Russian researchers use foreign classifications for the Russian sample. The authors emphasize that the skill of productive self-presentation determines the ability to correctly present information about oneself, to focus on personal qualities that correspond to the presented situation, and also to convince the communication partner of the congruence of the interaction goals. An analysis of the main points of view on the problem shows that self-presentation in interpersonal interactions can be represented as a psychological construct characterized by subjective awareness and significance and the ability to manage it in the process of self-monitoring. These, in their turn, influence the formation of the idea of reality in the interaction participants, according to which the person implements strategies of self-presentation through various tactics.

Everyday life information means while reflecting in the individual consciousness on postmodern reality background

The purpose of the article is a detailed analysis of information means of reflecting objective reality,in an individual consciousness in a postmodern society. The methodology is based on the use of activity,systemic, socio-cultural approaches, as well as methods of comparative and terminological analysis. Thescientific novelty of work is that the means of reflecting everyday reality in the individual consciousness areinvestigated. Mechanisms of influence of information technologies of mass communication on social identity,lifestyle, and culture, in general, are analyzed. It has been proved that social and cultural phenomena such aspost-folklore, ritualization, mythology, enigmatic narratives play an important role in the process of awarenessof objective reality. It is justified that the consciousness of the individual is in a total space created by masscommunication, and therefore the perception of everyday reality occurs under the influence of informationtechnologies. A significant role in modern society is played by the processes of demassification of everydaylife, which generate pluralism and a variety of thoughts; entertainment and humor are the main factors inthe manipulation of individual and social consciousness. Conclusions. Postmodern reality determines theemergence and development of such phenomena of everyday life, which turn into an important means ofinfluencing the social, and especially the individual consciousness. Everyday life through means of masscommunication is reflected as an image of reality in the individual’s brain, is realized and reproduced as asubjective reality. Scientific exploration in this area will always be relevant since everyday life in modernpostmodern society is an important specific source of society development, the meeting space of philosophy,psychology, social communications, and culture. In our further research, we plan to study in more detail theimpact of post-folklore on the consciousness of the individual in postmodern reality.Keywords: subjective reality, everyday life, enigmatic narratives, mythologization, ritualization, postfolklore, postmodernism, demassification.

INFORMATION TERRORISM AS A CONTEMPORARY THREAT TO THE INFORMATION SECURITY OF MAN, SOCIETY AND THE STATE

The article discusses the content and characteristics of information terrorism as a threat to national and international security in contemporary circumstances. The relevance of the topic stems from the fact that information is currently considered a strategic resource, and deliberate manipulation of public opinion and the commission of terrorist acts to that end has become one of the most dangerous manifestations of hybrid confrontation in the contemporary international arena. Due to the impossibility of clear distinction with ordinary computer crimes and domestic manipulation in mass media, the concepts of «information terrorism» and «cyberterrorism» do not have a clear interpretation. Therefore, information terrorism is viewed in a broad sense (manipulation of public consciousness to create tension, instability, chaos aimed at achieving political or economic objectives in the interests of terrorists) and in narrow terms (cyberattacks on critical government infrastructure information systems to disable them, which can lead to economic, environmental and other disasters). The general characteristics of information terrorism (organized form of violence, psychological influence, drawing attention to a particular problem, demonstrative nature) are defined and specific characteristics inherent only in terrorist acts in the information sphere: (secrecy, size, synchrony, remoteness, internationality and publicity) are singled out. The methods of information terrorism are described, which are aimed at influencing people’s consciousness on a large scale and at imposing their will on society and State institutions through the use of disinformation, propaganda, diversification of public opinion, psychological pressure, rumours, manipulation, intimidation. The forms of information terrorism are described: in particular: information-psychological (media-terrorism) and information-technical (cyberterrorism). It is noted that media terrorism / media killer activity involves the organization of special media campaigns to create an atmosphere of civil disobedience, public distrust of the actions and intentions of the government and its law enforcement agencies by using a number of models of communicative influence (nationalist, religious, inciting model). Cyberterrorism is presented as a socially dangerous activity with the use of computers and telecommunication networks to harm or commit actions / threats that threaten society and lead to other serious consequences, through the use of the following methods: APT-attacks, malware, DoS / DDoS-attacks, unauthorized access, ransomware. It is summarized and concluded that today virtual space and mass media are widely used by various terrorist-oriented groups for their own purposes, because accessibility, the absence of censorship, the large potential audience of users, the speed with which information is disseminated and the complexity with which it is presented and received are all contributing to the spread of information terrorism in today’s world. The threat of terrorism through the use of media and cyberspace is a complex challenge of our time. The danger of such terrorism lies in the absence of geographical and national borders, since terrorist acts can be carried out from anywhere in the world, as well as in the difficulty of identifying the identity of the terrorist in the information space and establishing his whereabouts, because cyber and media attacks are carried out by hackers indirectly through the use of computer technology. Therefore, in view of the further development of technology and mass media, the issue of countering information terrorism will be particularly relevant.

Theoretical and Legal Foundations of the Fight against Mass Consciousness Manipulation in the Internet on the Example of the Russian Federation

The paper examines in detail measures relatively recently legalized in the Russian Federation and aimed at combating manipulation of the mass consciousness via the Internet. Particular attention has been paid to the creation of the Russian segment of the Internet, prohibition of the use of obscene language on the Internet, prohibition of dissemination of information containing the cult of violence or cruelty, prohibition of calls to attend unauthorized public events, requirement of licensing of educational activities, creation of a wide educational system in the country and, of course, introduction of categories of public associations and individuals performing the functions of foreign agents. Based on the results of the study, the authors come to the conclusion that the entire set of counter-manipulative measures currently being implemented in the Russian Federation in their strategic perspective can lead to significant benefits. However, these measures imply a significant increase in government intervention in the information sphere of society, which creates a real opportunity for the formation of the institution of censorship that, in turn, always creates a breeding ground for various kinds of power abuse in relation to the society and individuals. To minimize the likelihood of such a negative scenario, the authors propose to focus not on the widespread use of institutions of the State, but on attracting and developing civil society institutions, which, in turn, will ensure a balance of interests between the citizens and the State, and will facilitate the formation of a developed civil society in the Russian Federation.

"Desire Is Like a Dreadful Monster": Analysis of Extended Metaphors in L2 Argumentative Essays by Chinese Learners of English.

This article explores the use, function, and understanding of extended metaphors in L2 argumentative essays by Chinese learners of English. The analysis starts with the identification of linguistic metaphors and extended metaphors in 72 argumentative texts produced by 37 intermediate Chinese English majors. The function of extended metaphors is then analyzed by adopting the bottom-up approach of establishing systematic metaphors from those identified extended metaphors, to draw learners’ communicative intentions in producing extended metaphors. To understand learners’ thinking processes behind using extended metaphors while writing, four of nine writers were interviewed about the process of writing extended metaphors in their texts in the stimulated recall interviews. It is found that extended metaphors, expressed through similes or direct metaphors at strategic stages in L2 argumentative essays, are often the result of learners’ conscious manipulation of L1 in producing L2 for various communicative purposes, such as the desire for vividness, coherence, comprehensibility, when there is a knowledge gap between L1 and L2, and for evaluative and persuasive power. These communicative functions are consistent with the ideational, interpersonal, and textual functions of language, which also coincide and interact with the rhetorical goals of moves and stages in L2 argumentative essays. Metaphoric thinking, L1 influence, and struggling to express meaning and persuade, cited in learners’ thought reports, are major factors triggering extended metaphors. The findings of this article can contribute to the knowledge of learners’ metaphoric competence in L2, which can, in turn, enrich teachers’ metaphor knowledge and draw teachers’ attention to learners’ creative ways of using metaphors and then raise metaphor awareness in L2 writing, teaching, and learning.

INFORMATION SECURITY: TO THE PROBLEM OF PLACE AND ROLE IN THE NATIONAL SECURITY SYSTEM

The article substantiates that the information impact carried out using the technologies of control and manipulation of public consciousness causes dysfunctional processes that impede the optimal functioning of state institutions. The main object of protection in this case is the public consciousness. It is noted that the specifics of information security allows it to cover all types of security: economic, socio-political, military and environmental, therefore its provision is a priority in the process of solving national security problems. The conditions for ensuring the main types of state security depend on ensuring information security at the present stage of development of society.

Теоретичні основи дослідження особистісної опосередкованості маніпулятивних тенденцій

The purpose of the article. Theoretical analysis of personal mediation of manipuiative tendencies. Methodology. The basis of this study is a theoretical analysis, synthesis, generalization, systematization of available scientific literature on the subject. Results. Manipulation of consciousness is one of the ways to dominate and suppress the will of people by acting on them through the programming of their behavior. This action is aimed at the mental structures of man, which is carried out secretly and aims to change the thoughts, motivations and goals of people in the right direction for a certain group of people. In this case, the purpose of manipulation – hiding their true intentions, to encourage another person to take certain actions, change values, ideas and opinions, etc., while maintaining the illusion of independence in general and independence of decisions or actions. In other words, to motivate a person to what he does not want to do, to distract from what he aspires to, but at the same time to create in him the confidence that he is acting of his own free will. Practical implications. The need to study manipulative tendencies is to determine the main ways and methods of manipulation and ways to protect against manipulative action. To reveal the main features of the manipulator’s personality and the category of people who are most prone to manipulative action. Theoretical materials can be used in the training process of the courses “Psychology of personality”, “Age Psychology”, “Differential Psychology”, “Fundamentals psychological correction”. Originality/value. It was found that the criteria for manipulation are: the attitude of the manipulator to the objects of manipulation as a means to achieve their own goal, the desire to gain unilateral advantage, the hidden nature of influence, use of force, motivation, motivation and skill in the process of manipulative influence. Key words: manipulation, coercion, manipulation, subject of manipulation, projection, Machiavellianism, manipulative influence.

‘Boris’

‘Boris’

STUDYING THE PROCESSES OF MEDIA PEDAGOGY DEVELOPMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF KAZAKHSTAN

The article presents the results of a sociological study of the development of media education in secondary schools of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authors note that in modern conditions, media literacy plays an essential role in the education system. Such important objects of media pedagogy research as: clip thinking of schoolchildren, the influence of gadgets on the learning process, media socialization, cybersecurity, distorted reality, manipulation of public consciousness become topical issues. These processes have an impact on the younger generation and their parents, and, therefore, requires study. The study was conducted as part of a sociological survey of subjects of the educational process – students, their parents and teachers, with a sample of 16,357 respondents, including students – 4,860, parents – 7,919, teachers – 3,578 people. The study of the processes of media pedagogy development has shown that there is a need to ensure not only the success of students ' socialization, but also the development of media literacy, ensuring cybersecurity, the use of psychological and pedagogical support for students, as well as the use of digital resources of the educational environment for self-realization and further professional self-determination. The development of media pedagogy ensures the successful social development of the individual in modern conditions.

MANIPULATION AS A MEANS OF INFORMATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INFLUENCE IN THE INFORMATION WAR

An article devoted to the study of the main points of the use of manipulations of mass consciousness for the purpose of information and psychological impact in information wars. Manipulation is viewed as a latent influence, in which the addressee of the influence, against his own will, performs the actions necessary for the manipulator. One of the tasks of the information war is to manipulate public opinion. The object of information-psychological influence is human consciousness, therefore information-psychological weapons are very dangerous, since they affect the functioning and development of society, the psyche and behavior of the population.