How does Propaganda/ Advertisement relate and mediation can the latter combat the former?
Introduction
There is quite a notable relationship between propaganda and advertisements. Propaganda is typically subjected to a country’s citizens by its government to direct the citizens’ views and perceptions in a particular direction. On the other hand, advertisements perform a similar role by promoting a sensitive relationship between the people and a given topic. In most cases, propaganda creates negative perceptions, while advertisements create a connection between consumers and products. All in all, they play the same role in influencing the behavior of people. What is more, both advertisements and propaganda direct their message to the psychological components of individuals. Despite this influence, meditation is an effective method that minimizes the impact of commercials or propaganda; as a result, it fosters personal opinions. In a bid to provide an illustrative understanding, this essay outlines mediation. This critical strategy defies manipulation from propaganda or advertisements to enable a self-centered decision-making process that is based on an individual’s preferences. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Explication
The safety and security from mind manipulation are critical since propaganda evokes emotional thoughts that might be negative (Irina Lock, 2019). The digital advertisement has undesirable impacts; that is, it has disrupted elections in Europe, thereby shifting scholarly attention towards investigating the “dark side” of digital diplomacy. To be more precise, there were media headlines which revealed that considerate social media platforms were used by Russia to influence the 2016 presidential electoral process of the US (Bjola, 2018). Technological developments have led to a new form of propaganda that completely varies from the analog way of advertisement that was offline. What is more, the modern high-tech communication pieces of equipment have increased the spread of propaganda from one place to another irrespective of the geographical differences. And this has had significant impacts, especially in cases where there is disinformation. As a result, it is vital to understand the counter-measures that are appropriate in eliminating systematic campaigns that promote disinformation.
Defensive counter strategies like meditation are very useful in exposing the framework and patterns of digital and traditional propaganda. Meditation allows a person to be self-immersed in their thoughts by collaborating the mind’s senses and emotions in an attentive manner, which creates an appropriate environment to learn while connecting with the inner-self (Sharma, 2015). The technology landscape is consistently changing. And it is transforming in a way that favors digital propaganda. However, meditation leads to media literacy on how to discover and prevent publicity. Thus, through the thoughtful process of mediation, one needs to be composed and think critically in a bid to oppose the influences of propaganda and advertisements. Meditation plays a significant role in nurturing a self-centered decision-making process.
Main argument
Digital propaganda is an effective non-military means for achieving political and strategic goals, in a way that exceeds the power of force of weapons (Bjola, 2018). In other words, propaganda from various online platforms has been used as informational weapons and optimal instruments that are utilized in structuring power asymmetries all over the globe. Digital propaganda has adverse impacts; for instance, it has disrupted elections in Europe there shifting scholarly attention towards investigating the “dark side” of digital diplomacy. To be more precise, there were media headlines which revealed that considerate social media platforms were used by Russia to influence the 2016 presidential electoral process of the US (Bjola, 2018). Whether true or not, it indicates the adverse effects of digital propaganda, and given the consistent development in technology, the influence of propaganda could be more impactful in the future. Thus, becoming aware of the digital framework is acknowledged as a meaningful manner in which one can oppose the impact of propaganda, thereby avoiding unwarranted negativity (Bjola, 2018).
The ability to focus on inner self can be aided by an exercise that allows one to compose thoughts and intellect accurately (Sharma, 2015). One way that can foster self-awareness and minimize the behavioral influence of propaganda and advertisements is meditation. From the old times, Buddhists implemented meditation to enable proper understanding and connections to other human beings (SUTTIE, 2018). And this process was essential in eliminating suffering and fostering enlightenment. Mindfulness meditation is critical in building social and psychological well-being. In that, apart from limiting the influence of propaganda, it improves emotional activity and decreases stress and anxiety. What is more, it develops not only the mind but also the body, allowing it to heal through a strengthened immune system (SUTTIE, 2018). It also allows an individual to avoid making biased decisions and conclusions (Irina Lock, 2019). Hence a preferable toot that can prevent the consequences of propaganda is meditation.
Response to objections
Meditation does not prevent the influence of propaganda and advertisement at all times. There is always a high probability that advertisements will influence decisions that most people make. First of all, the environment plays a crucial role in inflicting the influence of propaganda. In that, consumers will choose specific products because their friends, family members, or counterparts prefer those goods. In the long run, the decision-making process of most people becomes a “cultural norm” that is influenced by society. The fact that the influence results from external forces mean that mediation will face significant challenges. However, to ensure meditation works efficiently, an individual needs to implement composure and creative thinking skills following the self-thinking process (Sharma, 2015). Meditation can only work well if it is accompanied by critical thinking. What is more, meditation is vital since it can help combat life pressure and stress. What is more, it ensures that individuals are always open to learning and comprehending new concepts.
Today, there are massive impacts of digital propaganda that are disruptive. As a result, it is vital to understand the counter-measures that are appropriate in eliminating systematic campaigns that promote disinformation. Now defensive counter strategies like meditation are beneficial in exposing the framework and patterns of digital and traditional propaganda. Also, they are vital since they identify the functionality of the disinformation network. In the long run, the media literacy on how to discover and prevent propaganda is unveiled. The technology landscape is consistently changing. And it is transforming in a way that favors digital propaganda. It is quite a challenge to eliminate; however, meditation is a preferable strategy that can minimize the influence of advertisements and publicity. Of course, mediation is not the only strategy of reducing the impact of ads and propaganda; however, it plays a vital role in fostering a self-centered decision-making process.
Conclusion
The technology landscape is consistently changing. And it is transforming in a way that favors digital propaganda. As a result, defensive counter strategies like meditation are very useful in exposing the framework and patterns of propaganda since they identify the functionality of the disinformation network. In the long run, media literacy on how to discover and prevent publicity is unveiled. Through the thoughtful process of mediation, one needs to be composed and think critically in a bid to oppose the influences of propaganda and advertisements. Massive impacts of digital propaganda are very disruptive. As a result, it is vital to understand the counter-measures that are appropriate in eliminating systematic campaigns that promote disinformation. In a bid to provide an illustrative understanding, this essay outlines mediation. This critical strategy defies manipulation from propaganda or advertisements to enable a self-centered decision-making process that is based on an individual’s preferences.
References
Bjola, C. (2018). Propaganda in the digital age. Global Affairs. 189-191. Retrieved from
Irina Lock, R.L. (2019). Organizational Propaganda on the Internet: A systematic review. Sage journals (103-127). Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2046147X19870844
Sharma, H. (2015). Meditation: Process and Effects. An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda, 133-237. Retrieved from http://www.ayujournal.org/temp/Ayu363233-5088566_140805.pdf
SUTTIE, J. (2018, October 24). Five Ways, Mindfulness Meditation, is good for your Health. Greater Good Magazine- Science based insights for a Meaningful Life. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_mindfulness_meditation_is_good_for_your_health