Influence engineers are individuals or organizations that specialize in using various tactics to shape the opinions, beliefs, and behaviours of other people and societies, often through the use of technology and data-driven technologies. In the political and diplomatic sphere, influence engineering can have significant impacts on election outcomes, public opinion, and international relations.
One of the key tactics used by influence engineers in politics is social media manipulation. This involves using bots, fake accounts, and targeted advertising to spread propaganda, disinformation, and other types of messaging to specific audiences. For example, in one of the published controversies during the 2016 US presidential election, it was alleged that Russian operatives used social media manipulation to disseminate false information and sow discord among American voters.
Another tactic used by influence engineers in politics is micro-targeting. This involves using data analytics to identify specific groups of voters and create highly targeted messaging that appeals to their interests and concerns. Micro-targeting can be highly effective in mobilizing voters and swaying public opinion, as it allows political campaigns to tailor their messages to specific audiences and appeal to their emotions and values.
Influence engineering can also play a role in international diplomacy, where the use of soft power can be a powerful tool in shaping the opinions and behaviors of other nations. Soft power refers to the ability to influence others through cultural and ideological means, rather than through military or economic coercion. In the context of international diplomacy, soft power can be used to build alliances, promote democracy and human rights, and foster economic and social development.
One example of influence engineering in international diplomacy is public diplomacy, which involves using various communication and cultural exchange programs to promote a nation's image and values abroad.
In Europe, the use of nudging techniques to promote environmentally-friendly behavior, encourages people to make decisions that are in their best interest. Several governments have used ‘nudging techniques’ to promote sustainable behaviors, such as reducing energy consumption, promoting recycling, and encouraging the use of public transportation.
In the Netherlands, the government used a ‘nudge’ to reduce littering in train stations by painting images of flies on urinals, which reduced "spillage" by 80 percent. In the UK, the government launched a campaign called "Love Food Hate Waste" which used nudges to encourage people to reduce food waste by providing information on how to store food properly, and promoting the use of smaller plates to encourage smaller portion sizes.
Asian countries use gamification is a form of influence engineering. It involves using game-like elements such as points, badges, and leader boards to motivate people to engage in a desired behavior. Several organizations have used gamification to promote healthy life styles promoting exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.
Japan launched a campaign called "Metabo Watch" which used a gamified app to encourage people to exercise and maintain a healthy weight. The app allowed users to track their daily steps and compete with friends to reach fitness goals. Similarly, in Singapore, the Health Promotion Board launched an app called "Healthy 365" which encourages people to eat more fruits and vegetables, drink adequate amounts of water, and get enough sleep.
However, it's worth noting that influence engineering in politics and international diplomacy is not without controversy. Critics argue that these tactics can be used to undermine democracy and manipulate public opinion, and that they often rely on unethical or even illegal means to achieve their goals.
One negative example of influence engineering is the Cambridge Analytica Scandal, where in 2018, it was revealed that the political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica, had harvested the personal data of millions of Facebook users without their consent to create targeted political advertisements during the 2016 US Presidential Election. The scandal revealed how the firm had used sophisticated influence engineering techniques to manipulate voters' perceptions and thought processes through targeted messaging.
The Chinese government developed a social credit system that uses a range of data sources, including online activity, to rate citizens' trustworthiness and compliance with social norms. This system incentivizes citizens to conform to desired social behavior and punishes those who deviate from them.
As such, it's important for individuals and organizations to be aware of the risks and limitations of influence engineering, and to use these tactics responsibly and ethically.
