Political Theater: The Psychology of Manipulating Emotions and Shaping Society
“Politics has become performance—but that performance isn’t harmless. It’s designed to manipulate our emotions, shape our identity, and polarize our communities. In this episode, I unpack how political theater works, why we’re so drawn to it, and what it’s costing us on both a personal and societal level.”
Transcript
Hello, and welcome to The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr. I’m your host, RJ Starr, and today, we’re going to explore something that affects all of us in ways we might not even realize: the psychology of political theater, and its profound impact on our society.
PRELUDE
As of the recording of this podcast, January 22, 2025, a new presidential administration under Donald Trump’s second presidency has just begun. This new chapter started with a flurry of executive orders—actions that have already ignited a deep divide across the nation. Depending on where you stand in the political spectrum, you are either jumping for joy, feeling a sense of triumph, or experiencing a deep sense of dread and uncertainty.
But here’s something to consider: many of these executive orders and actions are, in part, political theater. The people crafting these orders know that some may be unconstitutional or unlikely to survive the scrutiny of our system’s checks and balances. And yet, the goal of this political theater isn’t necessarily to create lasting change through legal or constitutional means—it’s about generating a response. The performance is designed to provoke emotions, mobilize supporters, and energize political groups. It’s about creating drama, rallying the base, and dominating the conversation.
This spectacle isn’t just about the actions themselves—it’s about the emotional charge they create. And it’s these emotions—whether it’s joy, dread, fear, or hope—that have a profound effect on our psyche. They influence not only how we see the world, but how we engage with others, how we talk about politics, and how we shape our beliefs.
That’s what we’re going to explore today—the psychology of political theater, how it impacts us as individuals and as a society, and why it’s so much more than just a performance. It’s a force that shapes our perceptions, our divisions, and even our mental well-being. And understanding the psychological mechanics behind it gives us the tools to navigate this landscape more thoughtfully.
Now, when I say 'political theater', I’m not just talking about what you might see on the evening news, or in the headlines. I’m talking about the drama—the spectacle—that surrounds politics today. It’s the performance, the media frenzy, the debates that feel less like discussions of policy and more like scripted drama. It’s all around us, shaping our understanding of the world and the people in it. We see it in election cycles, in campaigns, and even in social media posts. But what is it about this political theater that draws us in? And what is it doing to us, both as individuals and as a society?
I remember when I was younger, I would watch the debates on television—politicians standing face to face, throwing barbs at one another. At the time, I didn’t quite understand it, but I felt the tension. It was a spectacle, one I could almost feel in the air, and like many, I found myself caught up in the drama. It was like a show, where I, as a viewer, was invited to pick sides and form an opinion based on what I saw in that carefully crafted, often exaggerated moment.
But the truth is, political theater does much more than entertain. It influences us, changes the way we think, and ultimately, shapes the way we interact with each other in our communities. And that’s what I want to talk about today. I’m going to unpack the psychology behind this phenomenon, so you can understand not only how it works, but why it works—and how it impacts all of us, whether we realize it or not.
Section 1: The Psychological Mechanisms of Political Theater
Political theater isn’t just about the drama we see on our screens—it’s about how that drama plays into the deepest parts of our psychology. There are several psychological mechanisms at work when we engage with political spectacle, and these mechanisms help explain why we’re drawn to it, why we feel so strongly about it, and why it often shapes the way we see the world.
Let’s start with something called cognitive biases. You’ve probably heard of biases before, but in the context of political theater, they’re crucial. Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts our brains use to make decisions quickly. But the problem is, they often lead us to distorted conclusions. One of the most prominent biases at play here is confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is when we seek out information that supports our existing beliefs and ignore or dismiss anything that challenges them. Think about it—how many times have you found yourself agreeing with a politician or media outlet because they’re saying what you already believe? That’s confirmation bias at work. And political theater is designed to exploit this bias. Politicians know how to frame their messages to resonate with their audience’s existing beliefs, which creates a sense of validation.
This is where things get tricky. When we consume political media, we’re not just processing facts—we’re processing emotions, identities, and social pressures. This leads us to something called social identity theory. It’s a concept from psychology that suggests we define ourselves based on the groups we belong to—whether that’s political parties, cultural movements, or even just local communities. When we see a political figure perform on stage, we don’t just see a candidate; we see a symbol of our social group. That’s why political events—like debates, rallies, or media moments—become so powerful. They allow us to reinforce our identity. If our group is under threat, or if we feel our values are being challenged, we react. It’s no longer just a disagreement over policies—it’s an existential defense of who we are.
I’m sure many of you can recall a time when a political moment felt like more than just a piece of news. It felt like a battle, like the stakes were personal. I’ve certainly experienced it. I remember during the early 2000s, there was a time when political debates felt like life or death to me. I wasn’t just watching a debate; I was watching a contest of values that reflected who I was, what I believed, and where I saw myself in the world. That’s the power of social identity theory—it shapes how we view and react to political theater.
Another psychological theory we can apply here is groupthink. Groupthink happens when individuals in a group prioritize harmony and conformity over critical thinking. In political theater, this is what happens when people stop questioning the messages they’re receiving from their political leaders or media outlets because they’re more focused on staying aligned with their group. They start to believe the narrative, even if that narrative doesn’t make sense. It’s easier to go along with the crowd than to stand up and ask tough questions. This is especially dangerous in political theater because it can create an environment where ideas go unchallenged, and divisions between groups become even more entrenched.
A classic example of groupthink can be found in the lead-up to major political movements, such as Brexit. In the run-up to the Brexit referendum, there was a massive rallying around emotional rhetoric. The message became about defending national pride and identity. But the problem with groupthink is that it oversimplifies complex issues. People started buying into the narrative, not because it was necessarily the best course of action, but because it felt like the right thing to do in the context of their group. The outcome, as we now know, was far more complex and has led to regret and division.
By understanding these psychological mechanisms—confirmation bias, social identity theory, and groupthink—we can begin to understand why political theater has such a deep impact on us. It’s not just about what politicians say; it’s about how they shape our identities, how they manipulate our biases, and how they influence the groups we belong to. And when you add in the speed and intensity of modern media, you have a perfect storm for psychological influence.
Section 2: The Impact of Political Theater on Society
Political theater isn’t just an abstract concept; it has real, tangible effects on society. It shapes how we interact with one another, how we form our opinions, and even how we perceive the world around us. In fact, the impact of political theater goes far beyond what we might imagine. Let’s explore some of the most significant ways political theater affects our society, beginning with how it contributes to polarization and division.
When we watch political theater unfold, whether it’s a heated debate, a campaign ad, or a viral social media moment, something powerful happens. It draws a line in the sand. It creates a stark contrast between "us" and "them." And that line doesn’t just exist in the political world—it seeps into our daily lives. We start to see the world as divided between those who are on our side and those who are not. And the more we consume political theater, the deeper that division grows.
It’s important to recognize that this isn’t just happening on a macro level. It’s happening in our communities, in our families, and even in our friendships. You’ve probably noticed how political discussions can quickly escalate, turning into arguments or even estrangements. It’s no longer just about disagreeing on policies—it’s about questioning one another’s values, loyalty, and identity. This polarization makes it harder to find common ground, which is essential for functioning as a society. Instead of looking for solutions, we look for enemies. We stop seeing the person on the other side of the aisle as a human being with their own fears and motivations. Political theater amplifies this effect because it strips down complex issues into dramatic, black-and-white narratives.
On a more personal level, political theater also affects our mental health. It’s hard to overstate just how much the constant influx of political drama can influence our emotional and psychological well-being. Think about it: when you’re glued to your phone, refreshing the news feed, or watching the latest political meltdown, you’re not just processing information—you’re processing emotions. Anxiety, excitement, anger, hope—these emotions are stirred up as we watch politicians perform, often at the expense of our own peace of mind.
I know I’ve felt this firsthand. During one particularly intense election cycle, I found myself overwhelmed by the emotional highs and lows. The news was a constant source of stress, and it became harder to focus on anything else. It felt like the outcome of this one event would determine my future, my values, my life. And that kind of emotional engagement takes a toll. The more we tie our identities to political theater, the more fragile our emotional state becomes. This is especially true in today’s world, where we’re constantly bombarded by information, often presented in the most sensational way possible.
This brings us to another important point: the psychological concept of learned helplessness. When we feel like the political theater around us is out of our control, we can begin to feel powerless—like nothing we do will change the course of events. We start to believe that our voices don’t matter, that the system is rigged, and that the world is simply too chaotic to make a difference. This mindset can lead to apathy or cynicism, where we disengage entirely from the political process. And when people stop believing they can have an impact, the system becomes even more disconnected from the needs of its citizens.
I’ve seen this in my own life as well. There was a time when I became so disillusioned by the constant political bickering and sensationalism that I just stopped paying attention. It felt like nothing would ever change, and honestly, it was easier to ignore it altogether. But what I didn’t realize at the time was that this was a perfect example of learned helplessness. I had surrendered my agency, allowing political theater to dictate my emotional response, and I had stopped actively engaging with the world around me.
So, what can we do about all this? How do we protect ourselves from the negative impact of political theater while still staying informed and engaged? That’s something we’ll explore in the next section. But before we move on, let’s take a moment to reflect on the bigger picture. Political theater is not just a distraction; it’s a force that shapes how we think, how we feel, and how we relate to one another. And it’s up to each of us to decide how we want to engage with it.
Section 3: Psychological Theories at Play
Now that we’ve explored the ways in which political theater impacts society and our individual mental health, let’s dive a bit deeper into the psychological theories that help explain why it has such a profound effect. These are the theories that shape not just our engagement with political moments, but our very understanding of them. Understanding these concepts gives us a clearer picture of how political theater works on us—not just as passive consumers of media, but as active participants in a larger social drama.
One of the most influential psychological theories in this context is framing theory. At its core, framing theory suggests that how information is presented, or “framed,” influences how we interpret and respond to it. This is particularly relevant in political theater because the way an issue, a candidate, or a policy is framed can completely change how we feel about it.
Think about a political scandal or a major policy change. The framing of that event can either highlight its negative consequences or emphasize its positive potential. For instance, a policy might be framed as a necessary reform, or it might be framed as a disaster in the making. Politicians, the media, and even social media influencers use these frames to shape our perception, often without us even realizing it. Framing is everywhere, and it’s one of the most powerful tools of political theater. The same set of facts can be presented in drastically different ways depending on the narrative frame.
I’ve seen this firsthand in the way certain events are discussed in the media. Take, for example, the portrayal of economic issues during election years. The framing can go from something like “The economy is booming under this administration” to “The economy is in crisis” depending on the speaker’s political agenda. The facts remain the same, but the emotional resonance and the interpretations we draw from them are shaped entirely by how the message is framed.
Another crucial theory that sheds light on political theater is social identity theory, which we touched on earlier. As I mentioned, social identity theory suggests that we define ourselves by the groups we belong to. But what happens when those groups become deeply intertwined with political identity? Political theater amplifies this effect by creating clear group divisions—Democrat vs. Republican, liberal vs. conservative, or even more polarized labels like “patriots” vs. “radicals.” These divisions create a sense of us versus them, where the stakes feel much higher than just winning an election or passing a bill. It becomes a matter of defending the very identity of your group.
It’s not just about policy anymore; it’s about defending your way of life, your values, and your sense of belonging. And when our identity is so closely tied to political groups, we begin to view every political moment through a lens of loyalty and group cohesion. We start to see other groups not as fellow citizens, but as threats to our identity. This creates a psychological environment where cooperation and compromise are more difficult, and political discourse becomes more about maintaining one’s identity than about finding common ground.
One of the most notable consequences of this is the rise of tribalism. We’ve all witnessed it—especially in the past few decades, as political rhetoric has become more charged. People become so invested in their political identity that they begin to disregard information that contradicts it. The psychological need to fit in with the group outweighs the pursuit of objective truth. And this, in turn, reinforces division and makes it harder to engage in meaningful, respectful conversations across party lines.
Now, let’s consider the psychological phenomenon of groupthink, a theory originally introduced by Irving Janis in the 1970s. Groupthink occurs when the desire for group harmony and conformity leads individuals to make irrational or poor decisions. In political theater, this happens when people in a political group become so focused on staying in line with their party’s narrative that they stop critically evaluating the information or ideas being presented.
I’ve seen this play out in the context of political movements where a leader’s word becomes gospel, and followers—whether they’re on social media or in larger groups—begin to parrot back the same messages without question. The result? Ideas that may have once been challenged and refined are left unexamined, and critical thinking takes a back seat to group loyalty. It’s a powerful force that perpetuates political division and undermines the kind of constructive debate that is necessary for a healthy democracy.
To illustrate this, let’s think about a recent event where groupthink was at play—perhaps the rise of a populist movement. Supporters of this movement may have been so caught up in the rhetoric, the emotions, and the “us vs. them” framing, that they stopped questioning the messages they were receiving. The group dynamic took over, and critical thinking became less important than maintaining group cohesion. This is a classic example of groupthink in action, and it highlights how psychological forces within political theater can derail thoughtful, objective analysis.
By understanding these psychological theories—framing theory, social identity theory, and groupthink—we can start to see how political theater manipulates our perceptions and behaviors. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are active forces shaping how we think, how we vote, and how we engage with others in our society. The next time you see a political performance, whether it’s a debate or a viral social media post, remember that the psychological mechanisms behind it are not just about winning an argument. They’re about shaping your identity, influencing your emotions, and pulling you into the theater.
Section 4: The Role of Media in Political Theater
In today’s world, media plays an absolutely central role in political theater. It’s no longer just about politicians delivering speeches or participating in debates; it’s about how these moments are captured, framed, and spread across various platforms. Media is both the stage and the audience—it amplifies the drama, creating a spectacle that reverberates throughout society. The psychological impact of this is profound, and it’s something that we all experience, whether we’re aware of it or not.
First, let’s talk about the influence of social media. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are where political theater plays out in real-time. These platforms act as a massive echo chamber, amplifying messages, creating viral moments, and allowing us to feel like we’re participating in the event as it unfolds. The ability to tweet, comment, or share a post means that every political moment is turned into a spectacle—one that we can react to immediately. This creates an environment where events aren’t just covered; they’re personalized, dramatized, and distorted in the name of engagement.
We’ve all seen the posts, the memes, and the viral videos that emerge from a political event, and they usually don’t paint the most nuanced or accurate picture. Instead, they often focus on the most dramatic, the most inflammatory moments—the things that will get the most clicks, likes, or shares. And this isn’t by accident. Social media algorithms are designed to highlight content that elicits an emotional response, whether that’s anger, joy, or outrage. The more emotional the response, the more likely it is to spread, and the more likely we are to get caught up in the frenzy.
As consumers of media, we begin to see politics not as a serious, thoughtful process but as a series of emotional highs and lows. We’re not engaging with policy; we’re reacting to performances. This is the world of political theater, and it thrives on our emotional reactions, which are amplified by the viral nature of social media.
It’s important to consider echo chambers, those pockets of the internet where we’re only exposed to ideas and viewpoints that align with our own. The algorithms that govern our social media feeds are designed to show us content that we’re most likely to engage with, based on our past behaviors. This means we end up in these digital echo chambers, surrounded by people who think like us, speak like us, and share our opinions. And when we’re in these echo chambers, we’re not exposed to the diversity of thought and experience that is necessary for healthy political discourse.
Echo chambers don’t just reinforce our political beliefs—they also distort our perceptions of reality. When we only hear one side of the story, we start to believe that the other side is either wrong, misguided, or even dangerous. This leads to increased polarization and a deeper division between different political groups. Rather than seeing opposing viewpoints as opportunities for discussion, we begin to view them as threats to our identity. And this is exactly what political theater, particularly in the media, thrives on—it’s about creating an emotional connection, and once that connection is made, it’s much easier to divide and conquer.
I’ve seen this personally in my own social media interactions. There was a time when I felt caught in a particular echo chamber, surrounded by posts that validated my political views. It felt comfortable, even safe, but I began to realize how limited my perspective had become. I wasn’t hearing from people who disagreed with me, and as a result, my understanding of the broader political landscape started to shrink. I became more entrenched in my own beliefs, less willing to listen, and more likely to view the other side as a threat rather than as people with valid concerns and experiences.
But it’s not just social media. The broader media landscape—television, radio, online news outlets—also plays a crucial role in shaping the political theater we consume. The framing of news stories by the media has a powerful impact on how we perceive events. We see politicians, policies, and public figures not just through the lens of their actions but through the lens of how the media chooses to present them. The same event can be framed as a triumph, a scandal, a disaster, or a victory, depending on the outlet you’re watching. The framing of the event affects not only our emotions but also our decision-making. It can even shape our voting behavior.
Take, for example, the coverage of a political candidate’s rally. One network might focus on the enthusiasm of the crowd, framing it as a sign of the candidate’s growing popularity. Another might focus on the controversial comments made by the candidate, framing it as a potential scandal. Both of these perspectives offer different interpretations of the same event, and the way we respond depends largely on which media outlet we consume.
In the end, the media’s role in political theater is not just about covering events—it’s about shaping the narrative. And when the narrative is shaped to provoke an emotional response, it becomes much more difficult for us to engage with politics in a thoughtful, rational way. We become consumers of drama, rather than participants in a democratic process. We feel more connected to the spectacle, but less connected to the issues that actually matter.
So, what do we do with all this? How do we protect ourselves from being manipulated by the media’s portrayal of political events, while still staying informed and engaged? It’s a question we’ll tackle next. But before we move on, I want you to think about your own relationship with the media. How much of your political perspective is shaped by what you see in the media? How much of it is shaped by your own critical thinking and personal values?
Conclusion: Moving Beyond the Drama
As we conclude today’s discussion on the psychology of political theater, I want to offer a final reflection. Understanding the psychological forces at play—cognitive biases, social identity, framing, and groupthink—gives us the opportunity to step back from the chaos. It allows us to see the bigger picture and recognize that much of what we encounter in political theater isn’t about the truth, but about how information is packaged and presented to us.
The power of political theater lies in its ability to make us feel something deeply—whether that’s anger, fear, or even excitement. These emotions are often manipulated to create a sense of urgency and division, to draw us into the drama. But by understanding these psychological forces, we can make a conscious choice not to fall victim to them. We don’t have to let the noise of the media, the divisiveness of campaigns, or the spectacle of political debates determine our thoughts and actions.
Instead, we have the power to engage more thoughtfully, with greater empathy, perspective, and depth. By recognizing the emotional pulls and psychological triggers, we can distance ourselves from the drama and focus on the issues that truly matter. We can engage in conversations that are rooted in understanding rather than in defending our own political identity. We can approach political discourse with the intention of listening and learning, not just winning arguments. And by doing this, we can begin to heal the divisions that political theater often deepens.
But it starts with awareness. And that brings me to my call to action for you today. I encourage you to reflect on how political theater influences your own actions, your conversations, and your beliefs. Think about the last political debate or media moment that stirred you up. Did you react emotionally, or did you take a step back to process what was truly being said? Are you finding yourself more entrenched in your beliefs, or are you open to seeing things from a different perspective?
I want you to ask yourself: How can I contribute to a more balanced, empathetic approach to the issues that matter? How can I foster more productive, respectful conversations about politics in my own life? The next time you’re drawn into the drama, remember that you have the choice to engage thoughtfully and intentionally. You can be part of the conversation in a way that uplifts and unites rather than divides.
Thank you for joining me today on The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr. If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to reach out to me at ProfRJStarr@outlook.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Until next time, take care of your mind, and your world will follow.