Protection against the manipulative influence of suggestive technologies in the context of hybrid warfare

The article considers the essence of the concept of ‘information and communication society’ and analyses its components. The possibilities of manipulative influence on a person are analysed. The features of the use of manipulative influence technologies in hybrid warfare are described. The authors focus on such a powerful psychological influence tool as suggestion, which can form beliefs and behavioral patterns without critical evaluation by a person. Manipulative influence on society is a hidden mechanism for controlling the consciousness and behavior of large groups of people in order to achieve certain political, economic or social goals. The main characteristic of manipulation is that it is carried out without the explicit consent or awareness of its objects - society, which becomes a tool in the hands of the manipulator. The main consequences are identified and possible mechanisms of manipulative influence are described. In the information and psychological dimension of warfare, suggestion is one of the most effective ways of manipulative influence, it is latent and not realised by the recipient, who has the impression of independence in forming an objective opinion about a particular object or phenomenon. It is impossible to completely get rid of the influence of suggestion, which would lead to inevitable social disintegration, but it is possible to limit, localise and reduce its impact. Suggestion has a great impact on mass behavior. People under the influence of suggestion can participate in mass movements, actions or support certain political decisions without realising that these actions were inspired by manipulative means. It is also important to note that suggestion is often used to reinforce stereotypes or create negative images of certain social groups, which can contribute to social divisions and escalate conflicts. Thus, suggestion is a powerful tool for manipulating mass consciousness, using emotions, repetition and authority to shape people's desired behavior or beliefs. Knowledge about the mechanisms of suggestion allows us to better understand how public opinion is manipulated and helps to develop critical thinking that helps to resist its influence. The author proposes a model of effective individual counteraction to suggestive influences during a hybrid war, based on critical thinking, information literacy and emotional health management.