The Origins of Propaganda: a Historical Retrospective

Abstract

The article considers the historical development of propaganda as a socio-political phenomenon that arose in ancient times, as well as its existence in modern society. Various forms of propaganda, in particular in the political sphere, and the directions of its influence on society both in peacetime and in wartime are investigated. With the development of the Internet, social networks and new forms of media in the information space of society, propaganda is becoming increasingly complex and influential. Social media algorithms make it possible to precisely target propaganda messages to specific audiences, taking into account their interests and beliefs, turning them into accurate personalized weapons. For a long time, propaganda, as an effective verbal weapon, was not given due attention, but now, during the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, this issue has become quite acute for specialists: there is a need to quickly recognize and effectively prevent hostile propaganda challenges in the information sphere. Preventing and countering propaganda influences on human consciousness requires the ability to predict and localize these socio-political phenomena in order to counteract such influences at the stage of their emergence. The differences between the concepts of propaganda and persuasion are analyzed during communication with a target audience using native media platforms, including cinema, news, television programs, social networks, works of art, etc., which have become an effective tool of propaganda capable of influencing the formation of public opinion. It is proved that in the context of the advance of the information society, propaganda is becoming increasingly complex and influential. The emergence of new types of propaganda requires its further study within the framework of fostering an effective mechanism for managing its development and functioning.