The lines between propaganda and conspiracy theories often blur when examining the origins of groundbreaking technologies like Bitcoin and Africas celebrated tech-innovation success, M-Pesa. Both fintech phenomena offer fascinating case studies on how information is shaped and perceived.
Propaganda party
Agnostic of intent for better or worse propaganda is often a tool wielded by powerful entities Be it governments, corporations, political groups or influential individuals to shape public opinion and behaviour. It involves the intentional creation and distribution of biased or even misleading information to promote specific agendas.
In my view, biases are not inherently problematic; owning up to them and making transparent attempts to advocate for biased positions (while challenging to deal with socially) is perfectly acceptable. It is the manufacture or dissemination of misleading information whether intentionally or inadvertently, that I find concerning. Such communications often mix fact with falsehoods and can be exploited by dubious actors to manipulate or mobilise audiences through emotional and persuasive tactics.
(Its often unquestioningly believed that advertising and public relations are acceptable, even commendable practices distinct from the darker art of propaganda, but thats a discussion for another day.)
