Some core vocabulary for exploring contemporary propaganda

1. Defining
Propaganda
Renee Hobbs
University of
Rhode Island
Media Education Lab

2. Misinformation
Disinformation
Agitprop
Public relations
Publicity
Public affairs
Public diplomacy
Advertising
Advertorials
Information operations
Propaganda: white, black & gray
Gaslighting
Dezinformatsiya
Xuanchuan
Satire / Parody
Culture jamming
Hoax
Jack, Caroline (2017). Lexicon of Lies: Terms for Problematic Information. NY: Data
and Society Research Institute.

4. What is Propaganda?
• Propaganda appears in a variety of forms
• Propaganda is strategic and intentional
• Propaganda aims to influence attitudes, opinions and
behaviors
• Propaganda can be beneficial or harmful
• Propaganda may use truth, half-truths or lies
• To be successful, propaganda taps into our deepest
values, fear, hopes and dreams
• Propaganda uses any means to accomplish its goal
Media Education Lab (2016). Mind Over Media: Analyzing Contemporary
Propaganda. www.mindovermedia.tv

5. Where is Propaganda Found?
Journalism & Public Relations
Advertising
Government
Education
Entertainment
Advocacy
Media Education Lab (2016). Mind Over Media: Analyzing Contemporary
Propaganda. www.mindovermedia.tv

6. European Association for Viewer Interests (2017). Beyond Fake News Poster.

7. European Association for Viewer Interests (2017). Beyond Fake News Poster.

8. European Association for Viewer Interests (2017). Beyond Fake News Poster.

9. European Association for Viewer Interests (2017). Beyond Fake News Poster.

10. European Association for Viewer Interests (2017). Beyond Fake News Poster.

11. European Association for Viewer Interests (2017). Beyond Fake News Poster.

12. Teaching
About
Propaganda:
Some History

13. Techniques of Propaganda
ACTIVATE STRONG EMOTIONS
ATTACK OPPONENTS
SIMPLIFY INFORMATION & IDEAS
RESPOND TO AUDIENCE NEEDS

14. Propaganda is not a silver bullet: it does not always work
Propaganda is not brainwashing or mind control
Effectiveness depends on context

15. Message: What is the nature of the information
and ideas being expressed?
Techniques: What symbols and rhetorical
strategies are used to attract attention and
activate emotional response? What makes them
effective
Means of Communication & Format: How did
the message reach people and what form does it
take?
Environment: Where, when and how may
people have encountered the message?
Audience Receptivity: How may people think
and feel about the message and how free they
are to accept or reject it?
CONTEXT