Propaganda in the Digital Age: How It Affects Wellness

By Maria Bellios, Annual Advocacy + Inclusion Intern l Digital4Good

In today's technology-dominated world, the influence of information cannot be underestimated. However, with this influence comes the potential risk of misuse through the proliferation of propaganda and its impact on our emotional health. 

To navigate the constant flow of information we encounter in today’s digital era, we must first grasp how propaganda operates. This article will define propaganda, delve into its implications for our well-being, and offer practical advice for educators and students seeking to promote safer online spaces.

What Is Propaganda?

Propaganda involves disseminating information, ideas or rumors with the aim of shaping opinion and/or behavior. Propagandist content is usually one-sided or deceptive, tailored to support a particular agenda or perspective. 

Various modalities, such as media updates, news stories, commercials and humorous images, can be used to convey propagandist messages.

Why Is Propaganda Important?

Propaganda plays a subtle role in influencing our beliefs, attitudes and actions. When it comes to wellness, propaganda has the potential to trigger stress, anxiety and feelings of powerlessness. Propaganda can blur the lines between reality and falsehood, impairing our ability to discern what is true from what is misleading.

Increased Anxiety and Stress

Exposure to fear-inducing messages may elicit feelings of anxiety and stress. Prolonged stress can be harmful to our physical and mental well-being.

Erosion of Trust

Constant exposure to propaganda can undermine confidence in institutions, the media and interpersonal connections, resulting in confusion and a lack of trust.

Polarization

Propaganda frequently seeks to create divisions among groups, fostering an "us versus them” mentality. Rifts can result in alienation, feelings of loneliness and the erosion of community and social safety nets, which play a role in maintaining emotional health.

How Propaganda Affects Social Media

Social media serves as a convenient tool for communication and connection. However, it can also magnify the influence and spread of propaganda. 

The algorithms behind social media platforms frequently highlight emotionally engaging content, making it easier for propaganda to circulate. Exclusive consumption of information that affirms a single viewpoint leads to the formation of echo chambers, deepening divides and increasing the risk of misinformation.

How to Counter the Influence of Propaganda

Promote Media Literacy

Educators should encourage students to develop critical thinking and media awareness skills. Educate them on the importance of questioning information sources, identifying biases and verifying facts before spreading content.

Share Positive Content

Distribute truthful and inspiring material to combat the detrimental impact of propaganda. Showcase narratives of strength, communal assistance and constructive transformations.

Engage in Constructive Dialogue

Promote open-minded conversations. Connect with individuals with differing opinions and aim to discover shared values.

Digital Tools for Positive Change

Fact-Check

Use websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org and PolitiFact to review critical information and definitive statements before sharing a website or link

Social Media Monitoring Tools

Use platforms such as Hootsuite or Buffer to help keep track of the content you engage with and distribute. 

Educational Platforms

Educators can utilize resources such as Khan Academy or Coursera to improve students’ media literacy and critical thinking abilities.

The spread of propaganda on social media has made it crucial to evaluate the validity of a source and check our own biases before hitting “Like” or “Share” on a post. By understanding how propaganda operates and taking steps to counter its detrimental effects, we can cultivate a knowledgeable online society. 

For more digital literacy tips, connect with us on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.