The Engineering of Opinion: From Mass Propaganda to Algorithmic Persuasion
This article analyzes the historical evolution of opinion formation, from early 20th-century theories of propaganda to modern algorithm-driven social media systems. It examines the role of psychological influence, mass communication, Nazi-era propaganda (1933–1945) in its historical context, and contemporary cases such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The article further explores how artificial intelligence may reshape information ecosystems, contributing to both increased personalization and potential political polarization, while emphasizing the importance of critical awareness in navigating these systems.