Propaganda is a communication process keyed to deliberately influencing the perceptions, attitudes, ideas, and behavior of groups of people, with the aim of furthering the interests of the propagandist. Although it is sometimes used as a synonym for [Page 1403]propaganda, the perception management concept tends to refer specifically to the manipulation of the perceptions of the receiver, normally promoting specific information or interpretations that favor the objectives of the sender in detriment to others.

In campaigns that seek to produce short- or medium-term effects, propaganda can be used, for instance, to influence the voting intentions of citizens before Election Day, mobilize the general public in favor or against a war, promote patriotism, obtain support for a campaign against alcoholism, advocate environmental protection, or encourage demonstrations in ...