the "Brainwashing" Theory

The "brainwashing" theory suggests that through intense, prolonged psychological manipulation—such as isolation, control of information, and emotional pressure—an individual’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors can be radically changed. This concept gained prominence during the Cold War, particularly regarding accusations of forced confessions or ideological conversion. While some see it as a plausible explanation for extreme shifts in beliefs, many experts argue that true "brainwashing" as portrayed in popular media is an oversimplification, and changes in belief often involve complex psychological and social factors rather than a single, all-encompassing process.