How does brainwashing work? Why is it used?

The term 'mind control' often conjures images of science fiction; however, it is a very real concept that refers to various strategies aimed at influencing a person's thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. At its core, mind control is the ultimate goal of brainwashing: to override an individual's sense of control over their own mind.

Techniques employed in mind control can range from basic, such as repetitive messaging in advertising, to extreme measures like those seen in cults or prisoner-of-war camps where isolation, sleep deprivation, and psychological stress are used. Central to mind control is the manipulation of the individual's environment to limit exposure to diverse perspectives, thereby making the mind more malleable to new ideologies. It's not just about the explicit message but creating conditions where the individual feels that accepting the message is their own choice, despite it being engineered from the outside.

Psychological manipulation is an insidious strategy that encompasses the various ways an individual's reasoning, emotions, and decisions can be quietly and covertly influenced. The essence of psychological manipulation lies in its stealthiness; the victim may not realize that he or she is being manipulated.

Types of psychological manipulation frequently involve emotional influence, such as inducing guilt or sympathy to control another's actions. Tactics like gaslighting, where a person's reality is systematically denied or altered, can make the victim question their sanity and more likely to submit to the manipulator's intent. At the heart of these tactics is the uneven balance of power—the manipulator holds the proverbial strings, and as such, controls the psychological wellbeing of the victim. Recognizing these tactics, ranging from charm to intimidation, is the first step in combating undue influence over one's mind and decisions.

Indoctrination techniques represent a structured method of teaching or instilling a particular point of view or belief system, often with the intent that this system be accepted without question. Indoctrination is about laying down the 'correct' way of thinking as defined by the indoctrinator and is common in situations where there is a clear power imbalance such as in cults, extreme religious organizations, or even within totalitarian regimes.

A crucial characteristic of indoctrination is repetition. Constant exposure to specific doctrines helps cement them as truth in the mind of the indoctrinated. Similarly, the use of slogans, pledges, and songs reinforces the unifying set of ideas. Social reinforcement, peer pressure, and community rituals play a role as well—individuals are often surrounded by others who share these beliefs, which can deter dissenting thoughts and bolster conformity. When an individual's social and support network is entirely composed of those who adhere to the same indoctrinated beliefs, resistance becomes increasingly difficult.