Consciousness Manipulation in Modern Authoritarian Systems: Theoretical Foundations and Models

The present study summarizes empirical data on current authoritarian practices of mass conscious-ness management through the conceptual prism of the positions of А. Giddens, E. Fromm and Н. Schil-ler. It is concluded that the key aspects of a com-prehensive view of their relevant and effective im-plementation 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 orienta-tions of the public; widespread surveillance and control using machine intelligence; instilling fear; use of force. In this regard, the most popular con-ceptual 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.