I binged watched a Netflix ‘explained’ production about the brain recently. Sat through 4 of the 5 episodes presented. There were some noteworthy nuggets on topics such as focusing, personality, creativity and brainwashing. The one on ‘brainwashing’ piqued my interest the most.

It made me think about how the brain can be brainwashed – controlled, influenced, persuaded and/or be confused. I am not referring to the type of mind-control that uses systematic or forced indoctrination. But rather the everyday sources – networks/avenues and people – that I am exposed to.

The internet offers a plethora of data, statistics, YouTube tutorials and presentations, blogs, forums, images and videos.  All it takes is a search on Google, Yahoo or Bing. Not all are accurate and verified news. Some are half-truths. Many false and bogus stories. There are deepfake videos. There are also well-funded strategized communications. Choreographed commercial and socio-political emails, texts and multimedia messages.

By seemingly normal people. All created, directed, disseminated, shared and passed from, to and between individuals, families, friends, chat groups, influencers, special purpose platforms, associations, companies, governments, and social and mainstream media. For a host of reasons or motivations such as power and dominance, rewards and money, beliefs, fame and recognition, acceptance and approval, naivete and oblivion, fun and games, ratings and clicks.

And, what about inherent beliefs, biases and values people have? What about personalities, upbringing and culture? With the already available real or fake or fit-for-whatever intended purpose information that we have at the ready to read, watch and listen to. It made me wonder whether some or all of these factors combined can make the brain so passionate about issues, and people so divided that there’s no middle-ground, no room for negotiation and no room for reconciliation.

On the Netflix episode about ‘brainwashing,’ one lady stood out for me. Intelligent, articulate and attractive. At first, she believed in vaccines. Then, Covid-19 impacted her business. With time on her hands and the internet flushed with information for and against vaccines, she somehow turned into a single-minded, vociferous anti-vaxxer. What was it that took over her brain, her mind, her actions and her life?  Whatever it was must have been very real and convincing at the time. And, very frightening. Particularly as she received hate mail and her life was totally upended.

In recent times, it’s not just the topic of vaccines that seem to split people into groups or communities. In fact, the pandemic has gotten people’s backs up on many related issues. From lockdowns, wearing masks, types of vaccines and safety of booster shots to penalties imposed and preferential treatments to the haves and well-connected. This situation is understandable. People are vexed because Covid-19 has affected every woman, man and child on the planet. On a personal and family level. On a work, business and commercial level. On a governmental level.

The continuous flow of information and misinformation has fueled varied reactions. There is either a show of stoic support or vitriolic criticism or angry street protests. All the while, convictions remain unchanging on the many sides of the different divides. Each side is certain of its truth. Adamant its stance or position is the only one that is correct or acceptable.

Not too different to certain perennial, contentious topics.  Politics and politicians. Climate change. Abortion. Religious freedom. Racial discrimination. Freedom of speech. Again, it’s about the spin, the messaging, the skewing of data and statistics to fit the intended agenda. The drivers – people in government, political parties, companies and organisations control the reigns that manipulate, influence and/or confuse the brains/minds of the targeted recipients or general populace.

Naturally, I cannot understand how millions of people can continue to support corrupt and convicted politicians, whose greed have bankrupted nations and deprived people of opportunities of education, employment, growth and prosperity. Or those who use race, religion or positive discrimination to push their personal positions. Yet, it has happened and is happening. There are swathes of people who support and idolise politicians and/or characters with questionable reputations and motives.

It befuddles me. I’m not saying I cannot be influenced and/or persuaded. I used to believe my brain was un-brainwashable. I am not too sure now.  I know right from wrong. Practice the ‘do unto others’ golden rule. But these have not precluded me from stumbling, veering to the right, then left, back to the right, then in the middle when faced with unsure, pressing and conflicting information.  What do I tend to do?  I pick a side. Stick to it. When and if it makes sense, and it’s in line with my thinking or beliefs. Of course, there are times I let myself be nudged in a certain direction that suits my brain and me. Hmm…