Perhaps this is an unconstructive aside, but it's a pet peeve of mine how often we present this kind of thought experiments in a way that pretends it's just the

Perhaps this is an unconstructive aside, but it's a pet peeve of mine how often we present this kind of thought experiments in a way that pretends it's just the unwashed masses that are vulnerable to whatever manipulation is being discussed. I really doubt it. I'd rather we internalize that you and me are almost certainly also vulnerable to serious misjudgements when exposed to similar situations. Best case: you're right, and strong-willed indivuduals exist and are immune. But worst case we're all worshiping Cthulhu without even realizing it, just because we were too proud to practice good informational hygiene.