Mind control in the Digital Age: How disinformation and brain hacking are changing the way we think

The dark side of information and the need for critical thinking

Did you know that a group of Norwegian scientists has developed a device that can directly control the human brain? They tested it on a group of volunteers and were able to make them experience vivid hallucinations and even control their movements with just a click of a button. Imagine the implications of such a device.

Governments could use it to turn their citizens into mindless drones, stripped of their autonomy and free will. Corporations could use it to make us buy their products without even realizing it. And worst of all, criminals could use it to turn us into their own personal army of thieves and assassins, forcing us to do their bidding against our will. So, have you heard about it?

But before you start panicking, let me assure you: neither have I, because that story is fiction. 

However, the very fact that it was able to grab your attention and elicit an emotional response proves that our brains are susceptible to manipulation.

In the age of social media and instant communication, disinformation has become a pervasive problem. It is not just fake news that is the issue, but the sophisticated ways in which disinformation is created and disseminated to manipulate people's beliefs, behaviour, and even their identity.

This phenomenon is often referred to as "brain hacking", as it involves exploiting the weaknesses of the human brain and psychology to influence people's perceptions and decisions.

The ins and outs of "brain hacking"

The term "brain hacking" originated in computer science, where it was used to describe the process of exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems. Today, the term is also used to describe the growing use of technology and other methods to manipulate human behaviour and cognition.

This includes techniques such as neuromarketing, which involves using neuroscience techniques to study and manipulate consumer behaviour, and the use of social media bots and algorithms to spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion. The potential for misuse of brain hacking techniques raises concerns about privacy, consent, and the manipulation of individuals and groups.

Our minds are wired to respond to stories and narratives, even if they're not true. This is because our brains are constantly searching for patterns and making connections, trying to make sense of the world around us. And when we hear a story that taps into our fears or desires, it can activate our emotions and override our rational thinking.

This is what makes brain hacking and disinformation so insidious. It preys on our vulnerabilities and exploits our cognitive biases, making it difficult for us to discern fact from fiction.

Fight, flight or freeze

In fact, our brains have evolved to respond to threats in a specific way: fight, flight, or freeze. This term was first defined by the American physiologist Walter Bradford Cannon in the early 20th century when he was studying the response of the organism when under stress.

Faced with danger, our bodies release adrenaline and other stress hormones, triggering this response. But in the digital age, the threats we face are often not physical. They come in the form of disinformation and fake news, designed to manipulate our emotions, and override our critical thinking. And just like with a physical threat, our brains can still go into fight, flight, or freeze mode when we encounter information that is perceived as a threat to our beliefs, values, or identity.

With the fight response, we may become aggressive or confrontational towards those who we perceive as spreading disinformation or attacking our beliefs. With the flight response, we may avoid or ignore the disinformation, or retreat to echo chambers where we only hear opinions that confirm our existing beliefs. And with the freeze response, we may feel overwhelmed and paralyzed, unsure of how to respond to the disinformation.

While the story of a device that can control our minds may be fictional, the threat of brain hacking and disinformation is very real. By understanding how our brains are susceptible to manipulation and training ourselves to think critically and independently, we can protect ourselves from those who seek to control and deceive us.

So, the next time you come across a story or piece of information that elicits a strong emotional response, take a step back and analyze it critically. Ask yourself: is this true? Who is behind this message, and what do they have to gain? By doing so, you can activate your frontal lobes and override your emotional response, protecting yourself from the insidious effects of brain hacking and disinformation.

As we navigate this digital age, it's important to remember that our brains are wired to respond to threats in a specific way. The fight, flight, or freeze response is a natural and necessary survival mechanism, but it can also be triggered by disinformation and fake news.