psyop
/ˈsaɪ.ɒp/
Definition
A clandestine or manipulative psychological strategy designed to influence public perception, often suspected to be behind the apparent success or failure of prominent figures.
Etymology
The word is an abbreviation of 'psychological operation,' a term originating from United States military and intelligence terminology for influence campaigns. It entered common, ironic slang to describe any perceived deceptive or engineered narrative in culture and politics.
In the news
In the article, the term is used to describe the skeptical, conspiratorial belief that the massive popularity of top-tier artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar might be artificially manufactured through covert influence rather than organic fan interest.
How Lizzo Became One of Pop Culture’s Great Flops
Read the full article ↗The Atlantic