Extreme ideologies often attract and influence people through well-designed stories and emotional manipulation. The following are some common plot strategies that may make it easier for people to accept extreme ideologies： ### 1. **"We vs. Their "opposing narrative** -**Plot**: A clear “enemy” or “threat” is set in the story, dividing the world into “good people” (those who support ideology) and “bad people” (opponents or external groups). -**Effect**: By creating opposition, stimulating group unity and hostility, and making people feel that they must choose a position. ### 2. **Narratives of victims and heroes** -**Plot**: Portrays a group that has been oppressed or treated unfairly for a long time, and followers of extreme ideologies are the only “savior” or "liberator”. -**Effect**: Stimulate compassion and a sense of justice, and make people feel that it is a moral obligation to support this ideology. ### 3. **Utopian promise** -**Plot**: Promote an idealized future, claiming that as long as extreme ideologies are followed, all social problems can be solved and a perfect society can be achieved. -**Effect**: Use people's dissatisfaction with the status quo and hope for the future to attract them to join. ### 4. **Conspiracy theories** -**Plot**: Fabricate or exaggerate the conspiracy of a secret organization, claiming that they are secretly controlling the world or persecuting specific groups. -**Effect**: Create fear and uncertainty, making people feel that only extreme ideologies can reveal the truth and protect them. ### 5. **Personal salvation or sense of belonging** -**Plot**: It tells the story of a lost or lonely person who has found meaning or a sense of belonging in life by accepting extreme ideologies. -**Effect**: Attract those who feel isolated or aimless, provide emotional support and identity. ### 6. **Sacrifice and martyrdom** -**Plot**: Glorify the act of sacrifice for ideology, tell the story of “martyrs” or “heroes”, and emphasize that their deaths are for a greater cause. -**Effect**: Encourage followers to follow suit and sanctify extreme behaviors. ### 7. **Simplify complex issues** -**Plot**: Simplify complex social, economic, or political problems into a single cause or solution (such as “all problems are caused by a certain group”). -**Effect**: Make people feel that there are simple answers to questions and avoid critical thinking. ### 8. **Leader worship** -**Plot**:Shape the image of a charismatic leader and portray him as an omnipotent and almost deified existence. -**Effect**: Strengthen the loyalty of followers through the cult of personality and reduce doubts about ideology. ### 9. **Crisis and urgency** -**Plot**: Emphasize that the crisis is imminent (such as “the end is approaching” or “It's too late if you don't act”), and demand immediate extreme action. -**Effect**: Suppresses rational thinking and motivates people to make quick decisions driven by emotions. ### 10. **Rejection of middle ground** -**Plot**: Declare that "neutrality is sin” or “not on our side is the enemy” to eliminate the gray area. -**Effect**: Force people to choose extreme positions and suppress moderate voices. ### Why are these plots effective? These stories take advantage of the weaknesses of human psychology： -**Emotion-driven**: Emotions such as fear, anger, and hope are more likely to drive behavior than reason. -**Cognitive bias**: People tend to accept information that matches their existing beliefs (confirmation bias). -**Social identity**: The desire for a sense of belonging will make people follow group behavior. ### How to resist? -**Critical thinking**: Learn to question simplistic narratives and duality. -**Multiple information**: Contact with different points of view and avoid information cocoons. -**Emotional awareness**: Be alert to decisions that are manipulated by strong emotions. The spread of extreme ideologies is often not through logic, but through stories and emotions. Understanding these techniques can help people recognize and resist their effects.