Mass Persuation

The study is placed at the intersection of the cognitive psychology with the theory of communication. It joins the contemporary effort of the category developing of some experiences in order to obtain the consubstantial instruments to the phenomena and processes upon which, investigative, it is supposed to intervene with them. For the configuration of a viable concept, clear and distinct from the feedback, relevant opinions are analyzed, contradictory positions are confronted and the historical, psychological, systemic and communicational reconstruction of this theoretical construct is achieved. Generally, it comes out that any systemic, cognitive or cogitative process lawfully implies a feedback connection. Finally, it is concluded about the feedback definition as the heuristic instrument of control, specific to the finalist systems. Likewise, the parameters (sides), the moments, the levels, the functions and the feedback typology are delimited and the functioning of some feedback ...

A few years ago, we published research articles in the highly regarded Journal of Business Ethics in which we presented a finding that may be disturbing in the present situation: Use of coercion, threats, punishment and restrictions as an influence strategy may have the opposite effect of what is intended. Our studies suggest that the use of "coercive power" often leads to "counteracting power" that creates conflict and eliminates trust and consensus—thereby reducing the shared responsibility and duty that we need now. As regards Covid-19, such a regime leads to the termination of the collective "social contract." Furthermore, the use of "coercive force" can produce negative or even dysfunctional effects. It is not surprising that we now see demonstrations in Italy, the UK, the United States and Germany against strict measures that people perceive as intrusive "coercive power." The use of coercion can lead to more undesirable effects than the pandemic it intends to stamp out. Often, centralized measures come in the wrong place at the wrong time for the wrong groups.