We’re living in an era of extreme polarization and eroding trust in institutions and the media. Disturbingly, some of the very leaders we’ve elected are perpetuating this division through a form of psychological manipulation known as gaslighting.
Gaslighting is a type of emotional abuse where the perpetrator makes the victim question their own reality, memory or perceptions. The term comes from the 1944 movie “Gaslight” where a husband systematically tries to make his wife think she is going insane.
When deployed by those in power, gaslighting can have a profoundly destabilizing effect on society as a whole. Citizens are left doubting what is true and have difficulty distinguishing fact from fiction.
The Rise of Political Gaslighting
Historically, politicians have stretched the truth or misled the public at times. But today’s deluge of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and reality-denying rhetoric by many of our elected leaders represents gaslighting on an unprecedented scale.
Social media has become a primary battleground where politicians and their supporters gaslight the public by propagating provably false narratives and “alternative facts” from anonymous sources, conspiracy theorists, and disreputable websites. Outrageous claims and hoaxes spread like wildfire before they can be properly refuted.
Meanwhile, mainstream media outlets are increasingly discredited as “fake news” by politicians when their reporting is unfavorable, sowing further public distrust and confusion.
Politicians also gaslight through:
- Denial: Brazenly rejecting objective facts or denying clear evidence of wrongdoing
- Projection: Accusing their opponents of the very manipulative tactics they themselves are employing
- Contradictions: Quickly changing stance or contradicting previous statements, muddying the truth
- Blanket Discrediting: Indiscriminately discrediting valid sources of information that don’t support their agenda
- Embellishments: Stretching the truth and exaggerating in slippery ways that make definitive fact-checking difficult
The Insidious Psychological Impacts
Beyond its effect on society, gaslighting can take a severe emotional and mental toll on those exposed to it over time. Common effects include:
- Confusion and Self-Doubt: Victims continually second-guess their own judgement and reality.
- Anxiety and Depression: The persistent invalidation of your experiences can manifest in mood and emotional distress.
- Trauma Symptoms: Some experience PTSD-like symptoms including hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and emotional numbness.
- Trust Issues: It becomes harder to trust your own perceptions and intuition, let alone trust others’ motivations.
How to Protect Yourself
While political gaslighting is powerful, we’re not powerless against it. Here are some expert-recommended tips:
- Be a Critical Consumer of News and Information: Think critically about sources, check other reliable outlets, and verify questionable claims before accepting something as factual.
- Prioritize Your Mental Health: Set boundaries on consuming disturbing news and misinformation to safeguard your well-being. Recognize when you need a break.
- Maintain a Support System: Share your experiences with family and those you trust. Having your reality affirmed can prevent self-doubt from taking root.
- Push for Accountability: Call out leaders who distort facts and insist they take responsibility for provable falsehoods and contradictions.
- Vote: Perhaps most powerfully, use your voting power to reject leaders who have a documented record of undermining truth and gaslighting the public.
While the impacts of political gaslighting run deep, arming yourself with awareness is a critical first step to shielding yourself and society from its corrosive effects. Don’t succumb to the nagging self-doubt it instills or surrender your judgment of what is true.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this discussion is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or professional advice. Only a qualified health professional can determine what practices are suitable for your individual needs and abilities.