The Age Of Manipulation: The Con In Confidence,... May 2026

The Age of Manipulation: The Con in Confidence, The Sin in Sincere

: The book references techniques linked to behaviorists like B.F. Skinner, arguing that social science and psychological research are "added to television's arsenal" to shape human habits for profit. Reception and Perspectives The Age of Manipulation: The Con in Confidence,...

: The title suggests that the trust or "confidence" we place in information sources is often exploited. Key argues that our desire "to be in the know" actually makes us more vulnerable to indoctrination. The Age of Manipulation: The Con in Confidence,

is a provocative book by Dr. Wilson Bryan Key , first published in 1989. It explores how advertisers and media outlets allegedly use sophisticated psychological strategies—particularly subliminal messaging —to bypass conscious thought and influence consumer behavior. Core Themes and Arguments Key argues that our desire "to be in

: Key posits that advertisers embed hidden images and symbols (often of a sexual or morbid nature) in print and television ads. These are intended to trigger subconscious reactions that the conscious mind cannot easily detect.