What is a psyop and why are right-wing conspiracy theorists obsessed with them?
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In recent years, the term “psyop” has gained traction among right-wing conspiracy theorists, who have used it to push various unfounded claims and theories. But what exactly does this term mean, and how has it been misused by fringe groups and pundits?
The term “psyop” is short for “psychological operation” and originally had military-specific applications. However, it has been co-opted by right-wing pundits to promote baseless conspiracy theories. Interest in the phrase remained low until 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it saw a significant increase in usage.
One of the most prominent uses of the term in search queries is alongside phrases like “pandemic,” suggesting that some individuals believe COVID-19 was either fake or manufactured. This misuse of the term has led to wild claims and conspiracies being spread on social media and other platforms.
Former chief advisor to Boris Johnson, Dominic Cummings, recently made a conspiratorial post accusing the entire trans community of being a psyop orchestrated by “deluded and/or evil people.” Despite these fringe uses, the term has a legitimate history with examples of government-backed psyops.
Historically, psyops have been used in military campaigns dating back to ancient warlords. During the First and Second World Wars, psychological tactics were employed to demoralize opponents and sway public opinion. The US famously used psyops during the Vietnam War, creating battalions specifically for this purpose.
In the modern era, the US has developed new ways to implement psyops, including using music as a form of torture against prisoners in Afghanistan. There have been instances where officers and government institutions have tampered with news organizations and social media, leading to conspiracy theories about government manipulation.
Fringe conspiracy theorists have claimed that events like climate change and the 9/11 attacks are psyops orchestrated by the government to influence public opinion. These theories gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, with claims that the virus was fake or part of a government hoax.
The term “psyop” has now become a catch-all phrase for anything that right-wing pundits disagree with or want to discredit. It has been used to label a wide range of topics, from electric cars to vaccines, as part of a supposed government conspiracy. This misuse of the term has allowed for bigoted beliefs to flourish without evidence.
Experts warn that branding things as psyops can be dangerous as it legitimizes baseless claims and helps populist beliefs thrive in mainstream discourse. These conspiracy theories can spread rapidly without evidence, leading to a cycle of misinformation and belief among certain groups.
In conclusion, while the term “psyop” has a legitimate history in military operations, its misuse by right-wing conspiracy theorists has led to a proliferation of unfounded claims and theories. It is essential to critically evaluate information and be wary of conspiracy theories that lack evidence or logic.
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