👉 A cognitive weapon refers to a psychological tactic or strategy designed to manipulate, deceive, or influence an individual's thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors through cognitive biases, misinformation, or emotional manipulation. It leverages psychological vulnerabilities to alter perceptions, decision-making processes, or attitudes, often without the target's conscious awareness. Examples include propaganda, disinformation campaigns, and cognitive biases like confirmation bias or the availability heuristic, which can be exploited to sway opinions or actions. These tactics are particularly insidious because they target the very foundation of rational thought, making them powerful tools for control or persuasion in various contexts, from politics to marketing.
