By: M.M. Hassan Abdulhadi Rashid – University of Karbala, College of Islamic Sciences
What makes some people speak in discussions with such certainty, as if their information is absolute and free from any doubt or delusion?
Have you ever encountered such a type of person? They speak with high confidence about what they’ve heard on TV or radio! Or about what they’ve read on social media pages, from electronic newspapers or magazines: political, social, economic, or military events. Why, then, do some of these individuals believe — to the point of absolute certainty — in what these satellite channels and media outlets present?
They are, in fact, under the influence of what is known as media programming and thought engineering.
The media possesses the ability to turn situations upside down and change atmospheres through advanced technology, methods of expression, and crafted language. It manages events in favor of the entity it aligns with, steering public emotions and driving the audience where it wants.
Some of these entities even possess immense media capabilities to deceive their audience, program their thoughts, and control their convictions.
They turn imagination into reality, reality into illusion, illusion into fact, lies into truth, and truth and reality into mere claims and fabrications! This is what is called “audience engineering” or “audience perception engineering.” It refers to programming thoughts and channeling emotions through media and its various tools to serve a specific entity, political or social system, military agenda, or particular sect. They exploit people’s beliefs or political inclinations.
Therefore, you should ask yourself: Is the information, reports, and news you receive through these channels and satellites truthful and real? Or are you a victim of deception and fabrication?
Why lose your friends and fellow believers over news marketed for sectarian, political, or factional purposes? Stop for a moment: Take the news as mere words, not facts, and focus on its content. Look at its consequences: Does this news increase the chances of tolerance, love, and compassion?
Does it strengthen bonds of communication between nations, or does its essence lead to bloodshed and stir hatred?
Examine the intentions of the entities behind these media outlets. Do they aim to unify and bring people together, or do they strive to sow the seeds of discord and incite division and conflict?
Every human being has their mind to distinguish truth from lies, as our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said:
“The mind is every person’s best friend, and ignorance is their enemy.
