Mass consciousness manipulation in modern authoritarian systems: theoretical foundations and models

The present study summarizes empirical data on current authoritarian practices of mass consciousness management through the conceptual prism of the positions of А. Giddens, E. Fromm and Н. Schiller. It is concluded that the key aspects of a comprehensive view of their relevant and effective implementation are the theses about the exploitation of sado-masochistic tendencies in masses; about the creation and dissemination of myths that distort the perception of reality and value based orientations of the public; widespread surveillance and control using machine intelligence; instilling fear; use of force. In this regard, the most popular conceptual model of mass consciousness manipulation among modern autocrats includes the following: keeping the majority of the population in poverty, at a low cultural level and in a state of some kind of dependence; instilling in the majority ideas about their own insignificance and helplessness; openly demonstrating super-incomes and permissiveness of power holders; expanding the use of technical and technological means to monitor citizens; police arbitrariness; establishing control over the Internet.