American Stockholm syndrome: When politics becomes psychological warfare 

This op-ed is part of The Hill’s “How to Fix America” series exploring solutions to some of the country’s most pressing problems. 

Many years ago, when I was a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier in combat, we used covert dissemination of disinformation to disrupt our adversaries or even cause them to align with U.S. interests. These psychological operations or psyops techniques, when used effectively, can become invisible weapons by mobilizing civil unrest and undermining trust in organizational structures.

Decades later, as the U.S. surgeon general, I began to notice these psychological warfare techniques being used increasingly on an unsuspecting U.S. electorate by domestic political operators attempting to capture their political allegiance. Now, the seeds of this psychological warfare have germinated and grown, threatening the security of our fragile, ever evolving democracy. 

In recent years, a new variant of Stockholm syndrome has emerged — one that doesn't involve physical captivity but mental ensnarement through misinformation and disinformation, spread through tabloid media, online platforms and cable news.  

This modern phenomenon is not confined to a single hostage but has spread like a contagion, dividing families, communities and even the nation. The relentless spread of misinformation has fostered a form of cognitive captivity that perpetuates political divisions despite overwhelming evidence that should unify people. 

Stockholm syndrome traditionally describes a condition in which hostages develop a psychological bond with their captors, often to the point of defending them. This bond arises from a survival instinct, where the captive's dependence on the captor for life-or-death decisions leads to misplaced trust and loyalty. The new variant, however, operates on a different axis — one of informational dependency and psychological manipulation through repeated exposure to false or misleading narratives, coupled with a lack of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. 

Misinformation refers to false information spread regardless of intent to mislead, while disinformation is deliberately deceptive. Both forms have proliferated in the digital age, exacerbated by social media platforms and biased news outlets. These platforms use sophisticated algorithms to curate content that reinforces existing beliefs, creating echo chambers where falsehoods can thrive unchallenged. In this environment, individuals often find themselves emotionally and intellectually captive to the sources of their information. 

Several psychological mechanisms explain why misinformation can have such a powerful grip on individuals. 

Confirmation bias, for instance, leads people to seek out information that confirms their preexisting beliefs and ignore evidence that contradicts them. Cognitive dissonance, the mental discomfort experienced when confronted with conflicting information, often results in people doubling down on their beliefs rather than accepting inconvenient truths. 

Moreover, misinformation often preys on emotional triggers such as fear, anger and a sense of belonging. Fear-mongering content can make individuals feel threatened, leading them to cling more tightly to their beliefs and to those who promulgate and or share them. This creates a psychological safety net akin to the emotional bonds formed in traditional Stockholm syndrome, where the captives defend the captors who they believe are protecting them from harm. 

The impact of this new variant of Stockholm syndrome on American politics is profound. Despite clear and compelling evidence debunking various falsehoods — such as misinformation about election integrity, vaccine efficacy or climate change — large segments of the population remain entrenched in their misguided, and sometimes toxic, views.  

This divide is not just about differing opinions but about conflicting realities, where facts are secondary to the narratives people have been conditioned to believe. Politicians and media personalities who traffic in misinformation exploit these psychological vulnerabilities, further entrenching divisions. They become the captors in this modern-day syndrome, and their followers — the captives — often vehemently defend them against criticism, and facts. This dynamic erodes the foundation of democratic discourse, which relies on a shared understanding and commitment to truth and reality. 

Addressing this new variant of Stockholm syndrome requires a multifaceted approach. First, media literacy must be prioritized in education to equip individuals with critical thinking skills, which are needed to discern credible information from falsehoods. Schools and community programs can play a pivotal role in teaching people how to identify and challenge misinformation.  

Second, social media platforms and tech companies must take greater responsibility for the content they disseminate. This includes improving algorithms to promote credible sources and fact-checking information as well as providing clear warning about misinformation.  

Third, fostering open dialogue and empathy can help bridge the divide. Encouraging conversations that are respectful and rooted in genuine desire to understand different perspectives can weaken the emotional bonds that fuel misinformation-driven divisions.  

Finally, leaders and influencers must commit to truth and transparency, setting a standard that prioritizes facts over misdirecting narratives. When political figures and media personalities model integrity and accountability, they can help dismantle the psychological chains of misinformation. 

This new variant of Stockholm syndrome poses a significant challenge to our democracy and our nation's unity and collective health. By understanding the psychological mechanisms at play and implementing strategies to combat them, we can begin to heal the divides that have been fueled by false narratives.  

It is a collective effort that requires commitment from individuals, educators, tech companies and leaders to prioritize truth and foster a culture of informed and empathetic discourse. Only then can we hope to break free from the cognitive captivity that is polarizing our nation. 

Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, the 17th surgeon general of the United States, is a Distinguished Laureate Professor at the University of Arizona.