Psyop

SYSTEM 18 INFORMATION WARFARE
DOMAIN THE SIGNAL

DEFINITION:

A coordinated communication effort designed to influence perceptions, emotions, beliefs, interpretations, attitudes, decisions, or behaviors through the strategic use of information, narratives, symbols, messages, or communication channels.

FUNCTION:

Attempts to shape human understanding and behavior by altering how information is perceived, interpreted, prioritized, remembered, or acted upon.

EXAMPLES:

Military psychological operations
Political influence campaigns
Strategic messaging efforts
Morale campaigns
Information influence operations
Public persuasion campaigns
Narrative-shaping initiatives

NOTES:

Psychological operations may utilize truthful information, selective information, emotional framing, symbolism, repetition, narrative construction, persuasion techniques, or other communication strategies. Their defining characteristic is the intent to influence perception and behavior.

CONTROL TEXT OBSERVATION:

Information does not merely inform—it can influence. A psychological operation functions as a coordinated effort to shape interpretation by strategically managing information, symbols, narratives, and communication environments in ways that alter perception, belief, decision-making, or behavior.