The Caligari Effect

The Caligari Effect refers to how external influences—such as propaganda, authority figures, or societal narratives—can manipulate perceptions and distort reality. Named after the German Expressionist film "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari," it illustrates how people can be led to accept false or biased views as truth, often without questioning them. Essentially, it highlights the power of suggestion in shaping beliefs and how authority or manipulation can distort our understanding of reality, impacting our judgments and decisions unconsciously.