Why Low-Level Thinking is Susceptible to Gossip, Fake News, Propaganda, and Brainwashing: A Neuroscientific and Societal Analysis

Human susceptibility to misinformation, gossip, propaganda, and brainwashing is a persistent societal problem. This paper examines the underlying mechanisms that make low-level thinking particularly vulnerable to manipulation. Drawing from neuroscience, social psychology, and the universal law of balance framework, it demonstrates how emotional activation, cognitive shortcuts, social reinforcement, and lack of metacognition collectively enable false beliefs to propagate. Finally, the paper explores the implications for education, societal stability, and the development of resilient decision-making frameworks.