Like you I had never heard this term until today-thank you. I instinctively avoided any and all social media including X. As my career progressed and I started collaborating with quite high level computer scientists I noticed that the vast majority did not use social media because they understood exactly how it works. Much of my family embraced it despite my caution and down the rabbit hole they went-mostly MAGA. Pure menticide J6 is a perfect example-it was simple tourism and the capitol police let them in.
I was not familiar with this term when I came across it today. As I read more, I now see how horribly pervasive this is in our culture, subculture, and in numerous personal practices. I was surprised I had not run across the term menticide in my exploration of the psychological damage from cults eg. MAGA, and similar related topics like brainwashing, deprogramming, examination of those committed to conspiracy 'rabbit holes', numerous studies on different features/aspects of personal bias, the erosion of critical thinking skills, etc.)
So I performed a search on this topic on my computer so I will share select quotes from several Menticide article sources. I did sense a theme in all of them, which certainly comports with some my own observations and experiences.
The term menticide was coined by Joost Meerloo in The Rape of the Mind, a seminal work on mind control written 70 years ago. Meerloo, who studied Nazi interrogations and later Korean War brainwashing cases, described menticide as the systematic killing of independent, rational thought. It does not always require a prison cell or physical beatings, though despotic regimes certainly deploy such tactics.
The mechanism at work is not merely skepticism. It is a dark process of psychological breakdown and reprogramming called menticide - the killing of the mind.
In a free society, menticide operates by confusing the target audience, degrading anyone who questions that confusion, demanding the rejection of contrary evidence along with the cultivation of perpetual doubt. The goal is to render the victim complicit in the surrender of their rational mind.
On platforms like X, this process unfolds through prominent voices that seize on peripheral details and spin them into sweeping alternative theories. Social media has blown all this into another dimension. Online 'investigators' and certain podcasters function as the new commissars of doubt. The result is confirmation bias. New information cannot be processed on its merits, it must go through the filter of a predetermined narrative. This is classic menticidal technique - keep the subject constantly confused in the early stages, then make them complicit in their own psychological degradation.
Menticide and Its Role in Social Media
Menticide is a term used to describe the systematic, intentional undermining of a person’s or group’s mental independence, often through psychological manipulation that erodes autonomy, critical thinking, and consent
While related to “brainwashing,” menticide is framed as a deliberate, large-scale act — not just individual persuasion — often carried out by corporate or state-aligned media systems.
How Social Media Enables Menticide
Social media platforms have become a primary vector for menticide due to their design and governance:
Algorithmic manipulation: Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube use AI-driven algorithms to deliver content that reinforces existing beliefs, creating echo chambers and filter bubbles This limits exposure to diverse perspectives and deepens cognitive rigidity.
Sensationalism and outrage culture: Short-form, emotionally charged content (e.g., “rage bait”) is optimized for engagement, encouraging compulsive scrolling and reducing capacity for nuanced thought mediarevolution.org.AI narrative farms and synthetic media: Organized groups run multiple AI accounts to seed, steer, and swamp-like comment sections with coordinated messages, often to manufacture consensus or chaos
Echo chambers and polarization: Social media amplifies divisive narratives, framing “us vs. them” rhetoric that bypasses logic and fosters tribalism.
Censorship and suppression: Platforms may suppress contrarian views or flag dissenting content, reinforcing conformity to dominant narratives
Influencer and cultural manipulation: Celebrities and influencers set norms for beauty, success, and morality, while “cancel culture” instills fear of ostracization, leading to self-censorship
Examples in Modern Context
Propaganda and disinformation: Governments and corporations use coordinated messaging to control narratives, suppress dissent, or manipulate public opinion thrivewithmartin.com+1.Psychological warfare: In extreme cases, extremist groups or authoritarian regimes use isolation, emotional manipulation, and repetition to condition followers
Global scale: Oxford Internet Institute research found organized social media manipulation in 81 countries, with professionalized “cyber troops” running AI accounts to influence public discourse
Why it matters:
Menticide in social media is not accidental — it is by design in many cases. It can lead to:
Reduced critical thinking and problem-solving ability
Increased polarization and distrust
Erosion of personal autonomy and free expression
Manipulation of public opinion for political, commercial, or ideological gain
In short: Social media’s algorithmic, emotional, and networked nature makes it a powerful tool for menticide, enabling large-scale, covert manipulation of thought and belief at an industrial scale
Let me close with a quote from a practitioner/victim of menticide, when I questioned that person's sourcing, their unwillingness to examine the topic critically, or any effort to assist this person to identify (not even challenge) their confirmation bias. The person looked me dead in the eyes and said, "They said you would say that."
"It ain't what I don't know that gets me into trouble, it's what I know for sure, that ain't so."
- Mark Twain
That cadre made sure the knife stayed in and was twisted around in America's back following their callow U-turn/s ...
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One minor point of difference though - I don't believe it was the majority of the American populace who thought Jan. 6 was OK, and were who changed those guys' minds > It was the majority of the "Republican Party" that believed the J6 white-washing effort. And specifically, it was the most radical end of that (formerly not good but nearly so bad as at present) party who were the ones who would be showing up in primary, and general, elections.
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At the time that (as an estimate) equated +/- to 80% of the 45% who termed themselves Republicans >> meaning about 36% of the country. The other 20% percent of them who didn't go along with the election denial BS were promptly run out of town. Independents have since dropped off of that bandwagon at a 2 to 1 margin and renounced Trump (mainly due to the economy and tariffs). But unfortunately that group remained swayed just long enough - as you said, due in large part to the machinations of the likes of McConnell and Graham - to vote him into office again in 2024.
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Damn! I can't wait to be rid of the rest of these jokers / looters / evil, greedy & incompetent idiots !!
Lynsey and Mitch, that is, for their U-turn after Jan 6. Having had to run for their lives from a MAGA-crazed mob, they rightly condemned Trump and his white supremacist thugs in the days that followed. Then when the poll numbers started showing that a majority of Republicans still bought into the lies about a stolen election and thought the Jan 6 rioters (who, let's remembered, murdered a capital police officer, beating him to death with a fire extinguisher) were heroes and patriots.
What should have happened in the days that followed Jan 6 is that Trump should've been impeached and convicted and banned from holding any government office. That could've happened if Mitch and Lynsey had shown some backbone.
But it didn't, and here we are.
The old guard are shuffling off at a reassuring rate. Lindsey Graham has gone, Mitch McConnell may have gone or may simply have been miraculously transformed into a zombie. Who else is really, really old and unlikely to be viable for much longer? Obviously the orange turd is high up on this list and is likely in pole position.
Bizarre
JD (Joe Dickhead?) Vance comes to Europe and gives a speech that shows how staggeringly ignorant he is about Europe. Of course, the orange one thought it was fantastic. Trust in Amerika as a reliable ally is evaporating fast. I suspect it'll end in trauma sooner rather than later.
It's all just truly unbelievable
I cannot believe people really thought voting for all this bs was a good idea
What the FUCK happened to this country?
Welcome to 1984
Knock knock at your front door
There was an interview with Steve Bannon....
....prior to the election, where he said (paraphrase), "If trump wins, they will go all muzzle velocity. Shooting shit off so fast that the media and the public can't keep up. BREAKING NEWS overload. Distractions from something else."
I tend to believe him.
God damn them all
_l_
Adams
Eric Adams tramps little bitch on a very short leash. As a New Yorker I must say Adam’s must go and go now. I sent our Gov a get him the hell out of there now message. If there are other New Yorkers here send her a message now to remove this Scumbag SOB POS!
There is a bill out there....
....to make his unfortunate birthday a national holiday. It coincides with Flag Day. Time to shelve that holiday it seems.
I mean, all the other days/months of remembrance are shelved as well, correct? Broad paint strokes.
Day of mourning...
....might be more appropriate.
Celebration Days... (Different subject)
Well, the 420 movement/meaning/celebration, in the US or where ever is kind of a holiday. Good so!
Problem with 420 here is, if you announce/intend to celebrate that day, has a very bad taste, based on our history. It was AH birthday.
It's off topic, but I had the feeling to mention.
Heads up - never again.
G.
Not off topic Gerd....
....the fact that AH was born on 4.20 only means one needs to expand one's consciousness even more.
Ein prosit, Gerd
Y'all be cool
Doing what we can
Sheryl Crow donated her Tesla to NPR (national public radio) to be auctioned for public radio funding. NPR and PBS are both likely on the chopping block. I give a modest amount every year to NPR (actually to CPR - Colorado) to keep my classical station going. I listen almost every evening to "Night Music" after 9pm to soothe myself to sleep.
Cheers
Ha! Hegseth flunked out of officer training school, lol.
"don't believe him"
it's just all
muzzle velocity
when enuff shit is thrown
against the wall
something is bound to
(of course it's all just his)
shtick
End of an era?
I wonder how long European governments will cling on to the idea that America is their ally. Now that the orange one has aligned himself with Putin and has dissed most of Europe in as many ways as he can, the belief that he gives a shit about Europe has disappeared. We should have expected it as he made it clear in his first term that he admired authoritarian leaders such as Putin and Kim Jong Un above those of democratic countries. I guess all good things have to come to an end.
Donald called Zelenskyy a dictator....
....and called himself king in the span of a couple of hours.
I'm sure he was "just kidding" though.
Education
So when will whatever’s left of your education system announce the compulsory Russian language classes?
I’d say what I think about your president but I’m concerned I might get prosecuted once he declares himself Emperor of the world.
I hope I am wrong and the future will be bright but I just can’t see it.
Favorite "Protest" Song
Keep faith good folks, beyond anything else right now. It's not easy for me, despite my own eternal optimist label. So, let's try a therapeutic exercise for us music lovers.
What should the new "Song of the Resistance" be?
I humbly suggest "What's So Funny bout Peace Love and Understanding". I wish every band could play this as their encore until the fog lifts. Either the Elvis Costello version or the Nick Lowe version would do, since I love both. So, what song would you all like to see?
What's so funny bout PL&U
That song has been on my mind for almost four months now
I did a top version of it at karaoke a few weeks back
FDT
I'll throw in a really, really good protest song....
....Talkin' About A Revolution - Tracy Chapman.
Hells yes.
trumps "king" comment is being interpreted as "just trolling" by conservatives as 100% expected.
Me? I prefer leaders / public servants that lead and don't "troll" their constituents as a joke. Its not funny and sense very dark clouds ahead.
Politicians shouldn't get in the way
I think of their role as being to serve, not lead.
It's not a protest song, or a song at all in the hands of Jimi Hendrix, but his version of "Star Spangled Banner" at Woodstock says more than a thousand words.
Inspiring Song Choices Indeed!
Those are all such wonderful songs! Also, as parody goes, James Taylor sang Okie from Muskogee on an bootleg from 1970. He also did Pretty Boy Floyd, so I think that balances it out quite nicely for me.
And the song works so well for drunk karaoke. Maybe not in Oklahoma, for my own safety. But can you imagine a woman singing "Deportee, Plane Wreck at Los Gatos"? There wouldnt be a dry eye in the place. Woody was so ahead of his time, lyrically and emotionally. Music is so often the perfect canvas for protest. Be well, my friends.
Songs
I remember listening to a transistor radio under the bedclothes in 1970 to Radio Geronimo. They had a great segue between CSNY ‘Ohio’ and the Hendrix version of ‘Star Spangled Banner’. Very moving.
For protest songs you can’t go wrong with ‘This land is your land’ by Woody Guthrie or the similar sentiments in ‘Big backyard’ by Molly Tuttle.
It would be wonderful to think that ‘We shall overcome’ might still be true.
Bob
Get Up, Stand up…
Bob
Chimes Of Freedom
Freedom - FZ
“The illusion of freedom will continue as long as it's profitable to continue the illusion. At the point where the illusion becomes too expensive to maintain, they will just take down the scenery, they will pull back the curtains, they will move the tables and chairs out of the way and you will see the brick wall at the back of the theater.”
FZ: Interview Jim Ladd 1977
Google....
....Indiana Governor Dolly Parton books.
Yeah.
Also. Google Vikings punter Huntington Beach to see what the Democrats SHOULD be doing.
It's Alright Ma,
I'm Only Bleeding
I guess CPAC is happening....
....and Steve Bannon doubled down on the nazi salute. Must be a Thursday.
Word online is that donnie is going to sack the USPS, even though they are self funded.
Get ready for more expensive shipping my fellow physical music ordering fans!
DOGE email
Here are the 5 things I did last week:
(not that Elon has the right to know)
1. GD - 10-2-76 DaP 53
2. Eagles - On The Border LP
3. GD - Taper's Section
4. GD - Jam Of The Week
5. GD - Grateful Dead Hour
So get off my back DOGE!
Cheers
Better one from Colbert:
What did I do last week?
1. Your Mom
2. Your Mom
3. Your Mom
4. Your Mom
5. Your Mom
Favorite "Protest" Song
Question?
Who cares about nature?
In Rome, all the countries of the world, with the sole exception of the US, agreed a funding plan to reverse the decline of nature.
Why doesn't the US feel the need to protect nature?
Why doesn't the USA want to protect nature?
Because there is no short term financial gain to be made I would say. Maybe Trump is put off because he doesn't know how to make a deal with a tree.
Nature?
The closest he gets to nature is a golf course which is not exactly a true natural setting (well maybe Scottish links style courses come close). Lest we forget, this is the moron who blamed California for their wildfires because they aren't sweeping the forest floor. And he is reversing us on the Paris accord in favor of fossil fuels. DOH!
Cheers
Unbelievable
I've just seen the orange turd and his sycophantic sidekick berating President Zelensky at the White house. What were they thinking? Finally they show the true nature of this reprehensible administration. This reflects very badly on the United States. How many more former allies will they alienate?
Have you said thank you once ?
Disgusting.
Why don’t you wear a suit?
What sort of clowns are allowed to be reporters in the US these days?
Hand Picked
Only the "approved" get to report from the White House now. I read that Russian State media was at the cabinet meeting that President Musk was running and in this meeting too. A set up to show comrade Putin the livestreamed insult fest.
Lord help us
Musk walks around in a ball cap and blazer....
....and you have the audacity to question Zelensky's attire?
This was not good. The US cannot be trusted anymore.
And Rubio just sitting there like the little spineless bitch that he is.
And there is a pic of the ambassador from Ukraine sitting with her head in her hands.
It is Galling & Sickening
... to be represented in any way by these (lower than whale crap) people - who are so ignorant and deranged as to behave in such an abusive and completely unacceptable manner.
🤮
Room temperature IQ
bullies with microscopic balls treating a visiting foreign leader in need like that?
Unconscionable!
And yet they are followed by their cult until all fall off the cliff (lemmings).
Beyond pathetic!
"the truth is realized in an instant, the act is practiced step by step."
ON LIVE TELEVISION...
...the king and the jester
continue to show the "FREE" world
what is marching throughout
this hollowed out land
ashes ashes all fall down
Making Their Voices Heard
Protesters in Vermont to JD Vance on his ski weekend:
"Go ski in Russia!"
Cheers
JD in VT
No wonder that so many protesters showed up, yet another example of performance, stay in the spotlight, by broadly announcing where they were going before hand. After such rude treatment of Z so DJT gets to build his hotel in Russia. So yes, JD had to go somewhere else apparently. Video clips can be seen if desired by searching the local CBS, WCAX.
Ghastly people
Trump and Vance seem truly monstrous. I shudder to think what kind of human being would find that performance last Friday impressive. I suppose Putin may have done. In fact, I'll bet he couldn't believe his luck when Trump got voted back in.
W w w . Project2025 . Observer....
....truckin' right along. A third of the way there people!
Clean site.
Speaker Johnson said Zelenskyy should resign because of his lack of decorum in the Oval Office. Two things. One. It doesn't work that way. And two. Hawking Goya products in the Oval Office last term because the CEO tickled his nutsack is apparently acceptable. Fuck this entire administration.
Back in the day
Russia was theee enemy
1984 the book comes to mind
SNL's Opening Skit Last Night ...
... was Right. On. The. Money.
The sad reality that goofballs DJT & JDV dredged up and put into play was so 'bat-bleep' crazy that the all the absurdities SNL presented basically wrote themselves.
Anyway, check it out - if you haven't already done so ...
the sad state of our country
we are in deep trouble im not sure we get out of this one,... the needle and the damage done
re: SNL
Agreed, this was pretty spot on for a cold open not to mention it was like only 24 hours deep from the news cycle. The real life version was a complete shit show, I mean WTF happened to good ole human decency.
Be Well People
Sixtus
Good Samaritan
I’m not a Christian myself so I may have a poor understanding of the parable. Can anyone tell me where the Samaritan asked for a mineral deal after helping the injured traveller.
Does anybody know...?
What does Pootin have that gives him such a hold over the the orange turd? Does Russia have something that America wants or is there some dirty laundry that the turd wants to keep out of the public domain. There must be something that is responsible for the turd's bizarre decisions regarding Russia.