Priming: Exposure to a stimulus influences the response to a subsequent stimulus, often without conscious guidance or intention. Thoughts, perceptions, and actions can be subtly directed by prior experiences. π§΅
Operates by activating related representations/associations in memory just before carrying out an action or task. Brings certain thoughts or memories closer to the surface of the subconscious, making them more accessible and likely to influence behavior.
Associative network theory: The mind consists of interconnected nodes representing concepts, experiences, and emotions. When one node is activated, related nodes become more accessible, explaining the increased speed and ease of processing primed info.
Dual-process theories of cognition: Differentiate between automatic, unconscious processes (System 1) and deliberate, conscious processes (System 2). Priming typically operates within System 1, affecting automatic cognitive processes.
Subtypes
Conceptual Priming: Activation of concepts related to the stimulus. Introduce concepts that evoke fear or distrust. Repeatedly mentioning terms like "chaos," "anarchy," and "violence" in media can prime protestors to perceive their movement as disorderly and dangerous.
Conceptual Priming: Activation of concepts related to the stimulus. Introduce concepts that evoke fear or distrust. Repeatedly mentioning terms like "chaos," "anarchy," and "violence" in media can prime protestors to perceive their movement as disorderly and dangerous.
Semantic Priming: Use related words to associate the protest with negative outcomes. Pairing words like "protest" with "riot" or "disobedience" with "punishment" can create a semantic link in the minds of the protestors, making them more apprehensive about their actions.
Non-associative Semantic Priming: Highlight unrelated but negatively perceived concepts to subtly shift perceptions. (Broadcast) news about unrelated criminal activities in the vicinity of protest locations can subconsciously link the protest with criminality.π
Perceptual Priming: Use visual stimuli to influence perceptions. Displaying images of violent clashes from other countries or previous protests can prime protestors to expect and fear similar violence. Sudan this Sudan that.
Associative Priming: Link protest-related concepts with undesirable outcomes. Constantly associating words like "leaderless = disorganized" etc with the protest movement can diminish its credibility and effectiveness.
Masked Priming: Use brief, subliminal messages to influence thoughts without conscious awareness.Flashing words like "failure" or "danger" in state propaganda videos can subtly instill fear and doubt among protestors.
Repetitive Priming: Reinforce negative associations through repetition. Continuously repeating negative narratives about the protest in all forms of media ensures that these ideas remain at the forefront of protestorsβ minds. Block all those govt sponsored accounts pronto!.
Reverse Priming: Anticipate and exploit the protestors' awareness of manipulation to cause overreaction. Make overt attempts to portray the protest as peaceful and harmless, prompting them to overreact and potentially engage in more aggressive behavior, justifying a crackdown.
Use "controlled" media, speeches and public statements, visual propaganda, social media(sell fear and astroturf) to systematically selk fear, distrust and confusion. Evocative language and imagery. Colours and symbols. Illusions of support.
"Florida effect": subtle cues linked to old age can influence behavior, leading to actions matching elderly stereotypes. Exposure to words like "Florida", "wrinkle", "retired" made participants walk more slowly when leaving the study.
Media Messaging: Use news coverage that emphasizes the longevity of protests, the toll on participants, or the inevitability of fatigue to prime a slower pace in demonstrations.
Environmental Cues: Use the physical environment of the protest, have heavy police presence or barriers, to subconsciously encourage more cautious and slower movements/protests.
Internal Messaging: Use self appointed or likely to be "leaders" or "organizers" to emphasize the need for patience (towards the govt), sustained effort (let's focus on crumbs), or strategic pauses to inadvertently prime participants to slow down.
In this prime time, be mindful of messages that prime your thoughts and actions. Stay aware of cues that prime you to slow down. Our prime goal is clear: bring positive change. Letβs prime ourselves with focus and determination to align with our prime aspirations.#RutoMustGo
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