The specifics of manipulative influence in contemporary social interactions and communications

Abstract

In the presented article socio-psychological mechanisms and basic principles of communicative intersubjective mutual influence in a context of contemporary social reality are regarded, and also possible ways of overcoming the arising manipulations are designated. The main goal of the work can be considered to identify the conceptual foundations for the implementation of intersubjective manipulative influence, study the basic principles and methods of applied socio-psychological impact on the interpersonal and personal-group levels of communications and interactions, and define possible methods of effectively countering unwanted and harmful manipulations. As a result of the undertaken analysis, it was found that the methodology of intersubjective influence in modern society consists of 7 key principles based on the paradigm of standardized and stereotypical behavioural responses of members of society, which include the principles (and the corresponding methods of applied manipulative influence) of contrasting perception, mutual exchange, consistent commitment, social affirmation, determinate emotional disposition, and authority reference. The author’s interpretation and generalization of relevant areas and examples of domestic and foreign everyday social practice allowed forming a holistic vision of the issues under consideration. As a result, the presented article not only contains analytical conclusions about the nature and mechanisms of modern social interactions and communications, but also offers specific practical recommendations to avoid unwanted and dangerous intersubjective manipulative influences through the development of internal self-control in a person and the formation of a rationalized and differentiated critical perception surrounding people, the proposals and claims put forward by them, and following resulting  social events. Thanks to this approach, modern citizens, voters, and consumers have the opportunity to stop being “passive puppets” in the skilful alien hands and turn into full-fledged actors, making independent decisions and forming their own behaviour models.