Part 2: Psychology 101
If you haven’t read Part 1, now would be a good time. Here it is.
I know what you’re thinking. What does psychology have to do with Truth in Media? Answer? Everything.
For the most part – I think it’s safe to say that most adults inherently give the benefit of the doubt to whatever information the media gives them. Most look no further into the claim for 2 main reasons.
1. It’s not important enough to them personally to go to the trouble of researching the claim to ascertain whether or not the claim is accurate.
2. Reason one + as long as it goes along with their belief system as to what the truth is. They believe it because they need to.
And here’s the interesting thing. Even IF they eventually find out later that what they were told was a lie – in most instances – they won’t care. Unless it’s a Bombshell story based on concrete evidence – people stick to their core beliefs. They may make some kind of excuse but it won’t fundamentally change their minds. This is proved daily when you look at the comment sections of any website.
The MSM – when it comes to anything Political – doesn’t tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. They tell their version of the truth. More importantly, they market their truth to their base of readers, listeners and viewers in order to gently guide them in the direction which fit the agenda or ideology of the owners of a particular media platform.
……..This is where psychology comes into play……..
Have you every heard of Sigmund Freud? I would like to think that most of us have. If not, here’s a link to what Wikipedia has to say about him.
“Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst.”
Have you ever heard of Edward Bernays? No? Really? I thought so….. then again, maybe a few of you have. If not? Here you go. Now would be a great time to learn a bit about him. It may give you a better understanding of why we are the way we are.
………Go ahead – I’ll wait……..
Edward Bernays was considered the Father of Public Relations. He made corporations countless millions with his innovative ideas on marketing, public relations and propaganda. He was able to do this by incorporating the views of his Uncle. Yep! You guessed it! Good old Sigmund Freud.
I don’t want to regurgitate information about these two men because you can readily find out for yourself by clicking on the links above. There is one more individual who I feel is equally important. His name is Adam Curtis. And lucky for you (if you’re not a big fan of reading) he produced a documentary (one of many I HIGHLY recommend) entitled, The Century of the Self. (The link is for the entire series in one video so watch at your own speed or search for each segment separately.) For his YouTube Channel listing other documentaries he’s made, again, HIGHLY recommended, click here.
It’s important to have a better understanding of the role Edward Bernays and his Uncle, Sigmund Freud played in who and how we are as individuals within the whole of society. And what their role, even to this day, continues to play. So, be enlightened and watch The Century of the Self. Not only is it a VERY good documentary – you’ll save me hours of typing.
Next time on Media and the Truth….
AFTER you do your homework, Click here for Part 3 – The perception of reality.
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