Propaganda Technology and Communication

Propaganda refers to the process of using deception to persuade somebody to have the same beliefs as you on an issue. Throughout history, politicians have used propaganda in order to influence those in power. The growth of communication technology, like television and computers, has led to new propaganda: propaganda used to influence mass audiences.

History

The term propaganda was first used in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV, who issued the “Sacra Congregatio de Propaganda Fide” to combat the threat the Catholic Church faced from the Protestant movement.

Technology

The advancement of communication technology can be both helpful and hurtful to propaganda. Communication technology benefits propaganda with new ways to spread a propaganda-filled message.

New Propaganda

Propaganda used to be used to influence only society’s elite. The evolution of communication technology has increased the influence of the masses, leading politicians to gear propaganda-filled messages toward all members of society.

Debunking Propaganda

Communication technology, especially methods of Internet communication, helps to debunk propaganda claims by making factual news more widely available. The Internet also helps lessen the power of propaganda-filled messages by providing a platform for communication that eliminates censorship dictated by the owners of publications.

Considerations

While the methods of spreading propaganda vary, every piece of propaganda has a common core. Every propaganda-filled message will play to emotion or prejudice in order to manipulate thinking.

Warning

Propaganda can be a very dangerous political tool. For instance, Adolf Hitler spread his propaganda through newspapers, radio broadcasts and posters in order to empower the Nazi Party.

References

• Beyond Intractability: Propaganda
• PR Watch: Has the Internet Changed the Propaganda Model?
• Technorati: Technology Makes More Sophisticated Propaganda