The essence of modern propaganda in the information age: [
np.reddit.com]
Long story short, the internet has a LOT of information on it. This has allowed people to create a new form of propaganda never previously seen before.
The essence of modern propaganda is to get you to believe NOTHING.
If you believe nothing you see, then everything, both good and bad information is on the same level. Inane foreign propaganda and crazy extremists on radio shows and alt-right websites start looking just as legitimate as actual investigative journalism and carefully sourced data analysis. Memes and conspiracy theories start looking just as reasonable as careful historical documentation and primary-source factchecks.
This whole meme game you and Rhyaldrin and Miyagi and the rest have been playing is an old rhetorical technique. Sartre discusses it being used by fascists in the 1930s: their goal was never to engage or persuade, but rather to devalue and ridicule the arguments of others.
If I never post anything intelligent, an argument with solid points or evidence behind it, but instead put up dumb facebook pictures every time you say something I don't like, then there's no way to argue with me, no way to discuss actual issues. No way to correct misconceptions or explain problems. Facts and discussion become meaningless, while emotional appeals like Trump's mix of nationalism and blaming minorities become far more attractive.
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 01/16/2017 01:39PM by vortexmagus.