Propaganda techniques in the Media

What is Propaganda? Propaganda is designed to persuade with the purpose to influence your opinions, emotions, attitudes, or behavior. It seeks to “guide your choice.” It seeks to achieve a response that furthers desired intent. There is a fine line between ‘to educate’ and ‘to indoctrinate’

Government Propaganda

Common Propaganda Techniques plain folks appeal (“I’m one of you”) testimonials (“4 out of 5 doctors agree”) bandwagon effect (everybody’s doing it) repetition (presenting only one side of the story, over and over) transfer (positive or negative associations, such as guilt by association) glittering generalities (idealistic or loaded language, such as “freedom” “empowering,” “family values”)

Plain Folks Appeal Based on the “common folk,” “person on the street” or the “little guy” A politician calls himself a “populist” or “man of the people”

Testimonials Anecdotal evidence for diet pills, herbal remedies, new-age crystals, etc. Great testimonials come from celebrities endorsing products.

Bandwagon Effect a “herd” mentality, following the crowd, or “counting heads” Great example is the VISA card companies telling you everyone uses this VISA card.

Repetition Repetition of a message or product is used in the media/advertising as a form of propaganda. Advertisements on television use this technique often.

Transfer Projecting good or bad qualities from one person or group onto another Politicians posing next to the flag, with troops, with veterans to appear patriotic An ad for a dietary supplement features a researcher in a white lab coat with a clip board to make the product appear more scientific

Glittering Generalities Beliefs that generality carries conviction without supporting information or reason. Using virtuous words; democracy, freedom, justice, patriotism, family values, motherhood, progress