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Manipulation is language intended to shape attitudes, thought-processes and actions. That applies to all language with few exceptions. It applies just as well

Manipulation is language intended to shape attitudes, thought-processes and actions. That applies to all language with few exceptions. It applies just as well to "pass the salt, please" as "remember the Alamo". It doesn't distinguish propaganda from the rest of speech. If I use language to transmit a single neutral fact to you, say, the average velocity of a coconut laden European swallow, it is still manipulation in various ways. To understand the world as I do, to act accordingly. I'm looking for examples of communications that do not intend to "shape attitudes, thought-processes and actions" and coming up empty. Perhaps the only thing that distinguishes propaganda is that it is communication by political actors for political purposes. Since that ultimately includes all of us, it's difficult to draw a line. But at least "pass the salt" is on one side of it and "remember the Alamo" is on the other.

xg15 5y ago
I disagree. A simple order or request like "pass the salt please" is still communication, because no deception is involved, nothing is fine-tuned to the recipient's mental state and agency of the recipient is still preserved: The sender openly shares his intent with the recipient - which is to compel the recipient to pass the salt. The recipient can reflect on that intent and either fulfill the request or deny it. On the other hand, manipulation does not openly share an intent and will not permit a simple rejection by the recipient. The entire goal of manipulation is to take away the recipient's agency: Subject them to just the right kind of noise, so that they will have to fulfill your request, whether the request is in their interest or not. If the sender wanted to manipulate the recipient into passing the salt, they would first observe and profile him to find out suitable angles of attack, then communicate whatever truths, lies or half-truths are required to exploit those weak points and in the end make him pass the salt.

xg15 5y ago

I disagree. A simple order or request like "pass the salt please" is still communication, because no deception is involved, nothing is fine-tuned to the recipient's mental state and agency of the recipient is still preserved: The sender openly shares his intent with the recipient - which is to compel the recipient to pass the salt. The recipient can reflect on that intent and either fulfill the request or deny it. On the other hand, manipulation does not openly share an intent and will not permit a simple rejection by the recipient. The entire goal of manipulation is to take away the recipient's agency: Subject them to just the right kind of noise, so that they will have to fulfill your request, whether the request is in their interest or not. If the sender wanted to manipulate the recipient into passing the salt, they would first observe and profile him to find out suitable angles of attack, then communicate whatever truths, lies or half-truths are required to exploit those weak points and in the end make him pass the salt.