People can use behavioral modification techniques with good or bad intentions. They can be used to help people reach goals and conquer obstacles. However, religion and politics can exploit behavior modification techniques to manipulate and control. The difference lies in their application and the degree to which they respect autonomy, privacy, and choice.
Behavioral modification methods are not new. They date back to the ancient civilizations in ancient Mesopotamia. They were part of religious indoctrination used to shape beliefs and control them. Today, these same tools are used in both religious indoctrination and political propaganda.
We’ll start by looking at the roots of these tools under the umbrella known as groupthink tactics. Then, we’ll review each of the primary techniques used in behavioral modification. By the conclusion, you should be able to spot these methods in the culture and social media. Throughout our discussion, we’ll use the analogy of the trout to show how people are manipulated and controlled.
Making You Behave Like A Trout
We have been trained to pursue outrageous, popular, and flashy items. We act like a school of trout with short attention spans, just like our fishy friends. The anglers who design social programming understand how to create psychological triggers. They use them to maximize their return on investment.
The advertising industry, religion, and politics know how to attract us. They learn to create the right lures and get us to buy what they offer. It doesn’t matter if we don’t need it; they will create the need and make sure we buy it. What’s behind this programming?
Groupthink Manipulation to Change Behavior
Groupthink manipulation tactics create a setting where people hold back their dissenting views. They adopt a herd mentality, which helps keep the group harmonious and united. Unethical influencers use methods like social pressure, emotional appeals, and isolating different viewpoints. These are behavioral modification(1) tools. People use these techniques to modify beliefs, values, and behavior.
Religious and political indoctrination exploit behavior modification techniques. The goal is to control followers by promoting a singular, unquestioned belief system. Leaders may isolate followers from outside influences. They encourage the-versus-them mentality to breed distrust of those outside the group. Fear and guilt are often used to discourage independent thought.
The above behavioral modification techniques are spread through media propaganda. Repeating the lies strengthens allegiance to a cause or ideology. They always portray opposing ideas as dangerous or immoral. The idea is to ensure the group remains united and unchallenged in their beliefs. Then, they will adopt any ideas, no matter how far-fetched.
Media development as a selling tool began in the modern age with the first films in the 1920s. The German military and political propaganda department pioneered the advertising machine. They invented the use of focus groups and response ratings. The most famous propaganda film is Triumph of the Will, which was created in post-war Germany (1935).
If you didn’t know this programming was going on, it’s not your fault. A great deal of effort goes into making you behave like a trout. Psychological conditioning is expensive but worth the investment. Advertisers, religions, and politicians focus on what they want to achieve. Then, they build emotional connections to encourage people to buy their products or embrace their ideas. Understanding how groupthink tactics work sets the stage for the next steps. We’ll explore its roots and outline specific techniques.
The Origins of Behavioral Modification Used in Religion and Politics
Who came up with the techniques to make people behave like a trout? It goes back to when harmful religious ideology completely controlled the cultural narrative. Oh, wait, you can see examples of this today in many parts of the world. Religions control the governments in the Middle East region. Here, we find the Abrahamic religions (2) of Judaism and Islam reign supreme. But, the many variations of Christianity still have an overt and covert influence on much of the West. Exploiting behavior modification techniques makes the wealthiest entities on the planet.
Counter-knowledge covers the propagation of false legends and conspiracy theories often used for political purposes or fundamentalist religious propaganda. — Antony Beevor
The tactics used by the Abrahamic religions aren’t new. They adopted these systems from Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, and Assyrian mystery religions. These earlier dying-god cults were the pioneers of propaganda and groupthink manipulation tactics.
The mystery religions developed today’s popular brainwashing methods. These tools can make them behave like a trout. They are packaged in mythology and superstition, and they trigger fear and anxiety.
The Virgin Birth, the Resurrection, the raising of Lazarus, even the Old Testament miracles, all are freely used for religious propaganda, and they are very effective with an audience of unsophisticated and children. — Richard Dawkins
Many Western religions work hard to show their beliefs, rituals, and traditions seem spiritual. Let’s explore these intriguing ways they influence minds.
Exploiting Behavior Modification Techniques
Many things have been created that have both positive and negative uses. The internet, nuclear energy, social media, and pharmaceuticals have good and bad effects. They enable communication, power, healthcare, and innovation. Unfortunately, they also contribute to cybercrime, mental health issues, violence, and addictions.
There are common tactics used to exploit behavior modification techniques. If you know these tactics, you can spot them and avoid them. Let’s review them now and see if they seem familiar.
Positive Reinforcement
In both contexts, positive reinforcement plays a key role. In religious indoctrination, followers receive rewards for their actions. They might get praise and blessings or feel spiritually fulfilled. These rewards come from attending services, helping others, or following teachings.
These are all the shiny lures that make people behave like a trout. For example, think about community events like potlucks or holiday celebrations organized by a church. These aren’t just fun; they create a sense of belonging and reward participation. The more involved you are, the more accepted and loved you feel. It’s like a social “high-five” for adhering to the group’s values.
This encourages individuals to repeat these actions to continue receiving approval. Political propaganda campaigns also promise rewards. These can be tax cuts, better social services, or a boost in pride for supporters of the agenda. The chance for these benefits motivates people to get on board with the system and behave like a trout, biting at the shiny promise.
Consider public recognition ceremonies. Politicians learn to exploit behavior modification techniques through public recognition. Those who support their initiatives are afforded special treatment, such as appointments. This isn’t just a gracious gesture. It shows what behavior gets valued and rewarded in that political world. It encourages others to show their support publicly. They hope for similar recognition.
Negative Reinforcement
Negative reinforcement is another technique that operates in both religious and political settings. People might be urged to follow specific teachings or rituals in religious settings. This helps them avoid guilt or being left out socially. Following the rules allows them to avoid bad outcomes. It insulates them from spiritual punishment or disapproval from their religious community.
It’s not always about hellfire and brimstone. Sometimes, it’s more subtle. Imagine a church that emphasizes helping the less fortunate. By doing so, members may feel they are reducing the anxiety of not living up to the group’s ideals of compassion and charity. You do good to relieve the discomfort of feeling inadequate.
In political campaigns, unethical candidates may use fear to gain support. They highlight adverse outcomes like economic decline or social instability. People may feel that not supporting the political agenda could bring serious consequences. Exploiting behavior modification in this way leads to long-term psychological damage.
This fear can drive them to avoid those risks. Think about political messaging that focuses on the benefits of a particular policy. “Vote for this bill, and you’ll avoid increased taxes!” It’s not a scary threat, but it shows how supporting the agenda can help you avoid a bad outcome. This way, you won’t get caught like a trout in a net by high taxes.
Punishment, Control, and Coercion
Punishment, control, and coercion are often subtle but potent tactics for both religion and politics. Religious indoctrination uses the fear of divine retribution. This can include eternal damnation or divine wrath. When the same person promising rewards for obedience also threatens eternal punishment if you do not obey, that is extortion and coercion.
Such threats enforce control and eliminate dissenting opinions. It ensures people act as they are told. Social shaming can be a powerful form of punishment. Imagine someone who openly questions church doctrine. They might face subtle exclusion from social events, gossip, or outright shunning. The fear of this social isolation can keep people in line.
The threat of unpleasant consequences emphasizes following religious teachings without questioning them. Exploiting behavior modification techniques in this way creates a culture of fear. It warns against any departure from the stated doctrines. Similarly, political propaganda may use punishment by vilifying or silencing opposition. Challenging the main political ideas can lead to marginalization or punishment. People may face social ostracism or legal consequences.
This creates a climate of fear that stops dissent. Look at how political opponents are often portrayed in the media. They might be mocked, ridiculed, or have their words twisted to make them seem incompetent or out of touch. This public humiliation serves as a warning to anyone else who might dare to challenge the dominant narrative.
Shaping Tactics
Shaping is a technique for slowly introducing more extreme ideas. This gradually convinces people to accept the more extreme ideas. Shaping is a favorite of both religion and politics.
In religious indoctrination, new followers are often introduced to simple practices. They are instructed to attend church or pray. Then, they are introduced to more complex religious beliefs and rituals over time. The more you trust and feel you belong in the group, the more willing you are to accept extremist ideas.
Group cohesion is used to make people behave like a trout. Shaping can exploit behavior modification techniques to create mindless followers. Think about how some religious groups introduce new members to increasingly strict rules and rituals over time. What starts as a weekly service might evolve into daily prayers, dietary restrictions, and specific dress codes. Each step is small enough to feel manageable, but eventually, you’re fully immersed.
This slow process helps people adopt practices. It also strengthens their commitment to their beliefs. Political propaganda starts with broad messages about patriotism or national pride. Over time, people are exposed to more extreme ideologies. They are coerced to support a particular leader or party.
Sometimes, they may adopt or endorse controversial policies they would normally not. This gradual exposure helps people connect more with the political system. They start to behave like a trout, swimming along with the current. Consider how political rhetoric can gradually shift over time. A politician may begin by supporting moderate policies. Then, as they gain support, they might slowly bring in more extreme ideas. This “boiling frog” approach can normalize radical viewpoints that would have been unthinkable just a few years prior.
Role Models
Finally, modeling plays a significant role in modifying religious and political behavior. Religious leaders serve as role models. The values they model depend on the values of their followers.
Some show virtues like humility, compassion, and devotion to religious laws. Others model opposite values of ruthlessness, favoritism, and revenge. Followers emulate these behaviors and view their leaders as role models. So, they behave like a trout and follow the leader.
It’s not just about the official leaders. Consider the key members of the congregation. These are the people who volunteer often. They lead Bible studies, give generously, and serve as role models for others. In this way, they show others that following religious values is rewarded
In political propaganda, leaders and media figures publicly show loyalty to the party or national values. They show patriotism and support for the party. This encourages others to do the same. Celebrities and influencers can play a huge role in shaping political opinions. When a famous actor or musician publicly endorses a candidate or cause, it can have a significant impact on their fans. People are more likely to support something if they see someone they admire doing the same.
Summation: How to Exploit Behavior Modification
Together, these techniques—positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment, shaping, and modeling—work synergistically. They are effective mind-control techniques that influence people in religious and political settings. These techniques help create religious devotion or political loyalty. They ensure people follow the desired beliefs and actions. In the end, they shape the surrounding society.
In Conclusion
The most asked question about this subject is, “How do you spot those exploiting behavior modification techniques?” Look for those using these tactics to manipulate, control, restrict, or limit the rights of others. This is a misuse of these methods. Other signs include blaming a group for social or economic problems, which creates scapegoats.
The techniques for programming the mind are not evil in themselves. They are tools used to change thinking, values, and behaviors. Clinicians apply the same methods and tools. They focus on changing unwanted behaviors. This leads to greater happiness and productivity for individuals. But religion and politics exploit to skew the thinking and values of others.
Religion and our commercial culture use these tools for profit and control. Yes, to make you behave like a trout and buy whatever they sell. Your challenge is to learn how to spot these tactics and then minimize or eliminate them from your life.
References
(1) Understanding What Makes Behavior Modification Work, Psychology Today, Dec 13, 2019, Daniel Marston Ph.D.
(2) Abrahamic Religions. Wikipedia