MILITARY MANAGEMENT QUARTERLY

MILITARY MANAGEMENT QUARTERLY

Identification of Methods and Tools of Mind Engineering in Cognitive Warfare

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Seyed Mohsen Mirbagheri 1
Ata ollah Rafiei Atani 2
1 Post-doctorate in science and technology policy - Department of Management, Economics and Progress Engineering - Iran University of Science & Technology (IUST)
2 Faculty member of Iran University of Science and Technology
10.22034/iamu.2025.2051117.3141
Abstract
The human mind plays a fundamental role in shaping thoughts, emotions, choices, and behaviors. Mind engineering is a novel and interdisciplinary concept that involves the purposeful analysis and influence of individuals’ minds, beliefs, and decisions through the application of knowledge from cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience. Media, as one of the most influential platforms for message transmission, play a key role in implementing mind engineering methods and tools, particularly in areas such as advertising, entertainment, emotional representation, and behavioral modeling. This study aims to identify and categorize the various methods and tools of mind engineering. It is a qualitative research conducted using a thematic analysis approach. For data collection, after systematic screening, 52 relevant and credible scientific sources published between 2000 and 2025 were extracted and analyzed from databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, Routledge, SID, and Noormags. Keywords used in the selection process included “mind engineering,” “cognitive warfare,” and “media methods and tools.” As a result, 41 organizing themes and 7 overarching themes were identified. These included advertising, stand-up comedy, emojis, artificial intelligence, fansubbing, tourism, and linguistic methods. These techniques primarily operate through media platforms and play a significant role in shaping social attitudes, decision-making processes, and cognitive warfare. The findings of this study can provide a foundation for the responsible application of mind engineering in policy-making and social interventions, and contribute to a deeper understanding of cognitive and behavioral influence mechanisms.
Keywords
Mind Engineering
Cognitive Warfare
Media
Artificial Intelligence
Social Behavior
Subjects
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