I was just an ordinary guy, living my life in Seahaven, until one day, everything changed.

I started noticing strange things happening around me.

People seemed to be acting differently, almost like they were performing in front of an audience. And then, something shook me to my core: my entire life was a lie.

I couldn’t believe it at first, but as I looked closer, I realized that everything I knew was a construct of a reality TV show called “The Truman Show”. The show’s creator had built an entire world around me, controlling my every move and manipulating my reality.

It was like being trapped in a nightmare, but I couldn’t wake up.

I felt violated and betrayed, as if my entire life was just a means to entertain others. I had to find a way out, to break free from the shackles of this false reality.

Imagine being poor Truman.

Well, what if I told you that you could one day wake up in the same situation?

Or that you’re in it – right now!

Ever heard the term PSYOP? It’s how government agencies like the CIA manipulate people’s beliefs and behaviors through psychological tactics.

Take, for example, the infamous “Operation Mockingbird” by the CIA, where they used propaganda to influence the media and shape public opinion during the Cold War.

This included disseminating information, paying journalists, and even planting fake stories. The goal was to create a positive image of the United States and its foreign policies, while discrediting its enemies and detractors.

One of the most well-known examples of Operation Mockingbird in action was the case of journalist Carl Bernstein, who uncovered the CIA’s activities in a 1977 article for Rolling Stone magazine. Bernstein revealed that the CIA had recruited journalists from major news organizations, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CBS News.

But it’s not just governments that use PSYOP.

Businesses also use psychological tactics to influence their customers and drive sales. By using strategies like scarcity, social proof, and others you might have read about in Robert Cialdini’s book “Influence”.

And in the AI era, deception is just around the corner.

I just saw on Twitter someone posting an example of creating a chatbot with Steve Jobs’ voice who can reply to any question.

It’s up to you to make sure you’re able to:

• create the world your prospects want to live in with your copy, UX and brand…
• But it has to be ethical and true to the value you offer

Just a thought as you go about your day.

Transparency always works.

Need help in turning a transparent but weak message into powerful, persuasive and still ethical copy? Get in touch

Quote and reflection of the day:

“…there is a freedom and liberation in commitment. I’ve found increased opportunity and upside in rejecting alternatives and distractions in favor of what I’ve chosen to let truly matter to me.”

• Mark Manson, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

We are in charge of deciding what matters and what doesn’t to us. Commitment is the act of deliberately rejecting a path in favor of another. It’s caring about your direction in life.