Propaganda plays a significant role in shaping public perception, often relying on emotional appeals and persuasive techniques to influence opinions and behaviors. As media and technology have changed over time, these tactics have become increasingly sophisticated and widespread. Depending on the context, propaganda can be perceived as either beneficial or harmful. Four modern events from the past decade in which propaganda has been used are presented here, detailing how each was implemented and for what purpose.

Foreign campaigns target democratic institutions

China and Russia have engaged in misinformation campaigns abroad by utilizing various media and technology tactics to spread narratives that aim to erode public trust in the democratic institutions of Western countries. 

Media moguls

In recent years, media moguls have promoted social media platforms as replacements for traditional news media. To do so, they employ techniques such as repetition, integrating their platforms into political discussion and presenting selected information that attempts to discredit traditional news media. By framing traditional media as untrustworthy and controlled by political elites, groups have positioned themselves as truth-tellers.

2016 presidential election and Facebook

During the 2016 presidential election, Facebook used voter data to target users based on their political inclinations. Undecided voters were shown specific content, such as negative posts about a particular political party, to sway their opinions and influence their voting decisions.

Climate change

After scientists issued warnings about climate change in the 1960s, advocacy campaigns began using persuasive and propagandistic messaging to encourage the public to pressure their governing bodies to set goals for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and implement regulations to curb greenhouse gas emissions. In response, there has also been an increase in counter campaigns on social media, which utilize propaganda to spread misinformation about the presence of climate change.