Title: Understanding the Mechanisms of Propaganda
Headings: 
Understanding the Mechanisms of Propaganda
How Propaganda Works
Famous Examples of Propaganda
Non-Government Uses of Propaganda
Propaganda and Fake News

Content: Understanding the Mechanisms of Propaganda
Marketing Public Relations
Understanding the Mechanisms of Propaganda
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Guy Bergstrom is a former writer for The Balance Small Business. He is an award-winning journalist and experienced public relations professional. Read The Balance's editorial policies
Guy Bergstrom
Updated August 29, 2019
At its most basic, propaganda is biased or misleading information circulated through some form of mass media with the intent of promoting a political agenda or viewpoint. Propaganda is deliberately not objective and is usually part of a larger psychological campaign to influence people toward a specific opinion. It may include outright lies or more subtle misinformation and censorship. How Propaganda Works
Propaganda works by tapping into emotions through images, slogans, and selective use of information or control and censorship of the facts. This is especially true if propaganda is being utilized by a government that is controlling the media by censorship or one that owns and runs media outlets, as was the case in the former Soviet Union. The difference between propaganda and rumors is that propaganda has intent behind it, usually with an organized, funded campaign. Modern-day political advertising, especially attack ads that create a negative impression about a candidate, can fall under the category of propaganda—although such ads are generally viewed as less sinister than state-sponsored propaganda. Famous Examples of Propaganda
The most obvious examples of propaganda happen during wars when governments try to rally their people against a common enemy.