what is propaganda?

Propaganda is communication aimed primarily at influencing or persuading an audience to further a particular agenda. It often involves selectively presenting facts or using emotionally charged language to evoke an emotional rather than a rational response. Propaganda can take many forms, including images, language, symbols, and media such as posters, films, social media, and more, with the intent to shape opinions, values, or behaviors. It may or may not involve false information, but its purpose is always to influence how people think and act to benefit the propagandist's goals, which can be political, ideological, commercial, or other purposes. Historically, propaganda began as a neutral term for spreading ideas but took on a negative connotation especially in political contexts since the 19th century.