Ideology's Demand Side:The Ego and Propaganda

These sources collectively present an argument that the efficacy of propaganda and misinformation is rooted not primarily in its systems of dissemination (the **supply side**), but in the pre-existing **psychological needs of the audience** (the **demand side**). The core vulnerability exploited by manipulative narratives is the **human ego**, which craves superiority, certainty, vindication, and a sense of belonging or grandeur. Citing examples like Adam and Iblis and Sancho Panza’s temptation for status, the texts assert that lies succeed because they **flatter or appeal to self-interest**, making the recipient feel **special or justified**. The sources propose that the true defense against manipulation is **"ego literacy,"** which involves **internal self-awareness** to spot when one’s sense of self is being stroked rather than one's mind being engaged.