fear campaign
Systematic public alarming
A fear campaign is a coordinated effort to spread alarm about something—a political opponent, a policy, a group of people—to influence public opinion or behavior.
The term usually carries a negative connotation, suggesting the fears being stoked are exaggerated or manipulative: Critics accused the government of running a fear campaign against immigrants.
Also called a scare campaign.
- scareCause sudden fright
- gaslightingManipulation causing self-doubt
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- alarmUrgent warning signal
threats · wedge issue · psychological warfare · dog whistle · culture war · propaganda · misinformation · mass hysteria · authoritarianism · emotional blackmail · moral panic · fearmongering · narrative control · othering · enemy of the people · voter suppression · learned helplessness · warning
fear campaigneducational outreach
Programs extending learning beyond institutions
civil discourse · awareness campaign · open dialogue · public education · informed consent
fear campaignawareness campaign
Coordinated effort promoting understanding
truth-telling · public service announcement · civic education
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