The Origins of Brainwashing

Brainwashing as a term was coined in 1950 by journalist Edward Hunter, who warned about the emerging techniques of mind manipulation used by communist regimes. The fear of brainwashing was particularly focused on China and the Soviet Union, reflecting the anxieties of the Cold War era. The term quickly gained popularity and became a political football, perpetuating fears of thought control and the manipulation of the masses. The debate on brainwashing expanded to include discussions on influence, persuasion, and groupthink.