Propaganda is a type of communication that is primarily used to influence or persuade an audience to further an agenda, which may not be objective and may be selectively presenting facts to encourage a particular synthesis or perception, or using loaded language to produce an emotional rather than a rational response to the information that is being presented. It is often conveyed through mass media and can be found in a wide variety of different contexts. Here are some definitions of propaganda from different sources:
- "The more or less systematic effort to manipulate other people’s beliefs, attitudes, or actions by means of symbols (words, gestures, banners, monuments, music, clothing, insignia, hairstyles, designs on coins and postage stamps, and so forth)".
- "The management of collective attitudes by the manipulation of significant symbols".
- "An expression of opinion or action by individuals or groups deliberately designed to influence opinions or actions of other individuals or groups with reference to predetermined ends".
- "A process which deliberately attempts through persuasion-techniques to secure from the propagandee, before he can deliberate freely, the responses desired by the propagandist".
- "The attempt to affect the personalities and to control the behavior of individuals towards ends considered unscientific or of doubtful value in a society at a particular time".
- "Ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further ones cause or to damage an opposing cause".
Propaganda can be used to promote a particular agenda or point of view and can be used to influence peoples beliefs, attitudes, or actions.
