War of the Words

Psyops and Information Literacy

Charles Hughes, author of the Amazon bestseller The Behavior Operations Manual: Neuro-Cognitive Intelligence, recently created a youtube video in response to the drone sightings in New Jersey. Over the course of the (somewhat rambling) video, Hughes explains how to spot a psychological operation (or “psyop”) and “separate manipulation from genuine news.”

His recommendations:

• Analyze the source. Hughes suggests using established outlets such as Reuters and The Wall Street Journal.

• Find out who owns the platform or media company. Examine pharmaceutical, political, or defense contractor ties (IMO this applies equally to established outlets).

• Question the timing. Does the story appear during a major crisis or scandal or during global unrest or other large issues? Is it serving as a distraction?

• Follow the narrative. Are multiple outlets parroting the exact same language? Look for coordinated messaging.

• Identify emotional triggers. Does the story feel designed to make you react emotionally?

• Check the evidence. Is there a reliance on anonymous sources?

• Ask yourself if the event is going to expand government control or justify new laws.

• Analyze coverage patterns. Psyops dominate the news cycle and drown out other stories. Are other major global events being completely ignored? Real news coexists with other reports.

• Look for updates. Real news is updated; psyops fade once they serve their purpose.

• Trust your gut. Trust your instincts then back them up with research.

Hughes further recommends that you:

• Strengthen your psychological state. Recognize fear tactics.

• Ask why you are being told to be afraid.

• Practice mindfulness.

• Stay connected to your community. Build self-reliance. Stay grounded in reality.

• Get your mindset protected. Don’t panic. Practice skepticism.

Hughes lists three questions to ask yourself:

• Who benefits from this narrative?

• What evidence is being shown and is it verifiable?

• Why now?

Finally, Hughes recommends using AI tools to search for answers; he appears to believe that they are less politically biased.

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Top Image: Flying Saucer - NARA NAID 303938034.tif/ Wikimedia Commons