Narrative Inoculation

Narrative Inoculation

Definition

The process of building resistance to manipulative narratives through controlled exposure and analysis. Like medical inoculation, it works by encountering weakened versions to build defenses.

How It Shows Up Internally

Successful inoculation might feel like recognition—"I've seen this technique before"—followed by reduced emotional impact. The manipulation attempt is noticed rather than absorbed.

Examples

  • 1Recognizing propaganda techniques when encountering them in the wild
  • 2Feeling less swayed by emotional appeals after studying how they work
  • 3Being able to articulate what a manipulative message is trying to do

Related Patterns

ideological capturenarrative hijack