Modern Tools of Political Manipulation

Abstract

The article proves that political manipulation is one of the conditions for the stable existence of political regimes and allows to control people and their consciousness. Tools and means of political manipulation are being continuously developed and improved, because they help political regimes function stably. Political manipulation is usually planned and organized, and can carry potential risks for the development of society as a whole. Political manipulators actively attract the media, which effectively distribute needed information and have the fullest impact on social consciousness. Peculiarities of political manipulation as a specific form of political influence, involve creating additional psychological levers of effective action in the process of the struggle for power. Political manipulators, with the help of various technologies of political manipulation, latently correct mass consciousness; include artificial stimulus (motivations) for action; redirect public moods and social activity in the direction they need. The author studies the current manifestations of political manipulation in the society: influence on public opinion; state authorities discredit; political advertising. To achieve success in the political struggle, the manipulator needs the support of society, which is guaranteed by the actions of mechanisms to influence public opinion. The author identifies and analyzes the following mechanisms of the means of political manipulation: language suggestion (speech influence), neuro-linguistic programming, and negative campaigning.