Are there any useful NLP techniques to deal with political aggression? If you stumbled upon this post, you might be either fed up with discussions about the upcoming American elections or the endless debates over left-wing or right-wing statements within and between EU countries. Or the crisis in Palestine. Honestly, over the last 8 years or so, I’ve gone from someone who loved to poke the bear, advocate, and educate, to someone who just doesn’t want to get involved in any kind of political debate, whether live or online.
I’ve come to realize that trying to educate others who aren’t willing to listen or learn is about as enjoyable and productive as teaching an elephant to navigate a minefield.
My Secret Political Aggression Project Online
Over the past few months, I’ve had a secret little project. I was curious to see what would happen if I commented on the social media accounts of followers and Facebook friends who seemed to make outlandish statements and assumptions without any fact-checking. My mission? To respond by saying, “I am no fan of…” and then naming the political party or person they oppose.
Here’s what I did:
- Commented on posts by people in my network, knowing their friends (unknown to me) would respond.
- Stated that I am also no fan of the opposing party.
- Claimed neutrality.
- Expressed a wish for everyone to collaborate, get along, and be kind.
- Maintained a tone of kindness and understanding.
- Mentioned that it doesn’t matter what I think since I live in a foreign country anyway or only represent one vote.
Only if someone attacked my country (the Netherlands) would I simply state how much I enjoy living there and why without criticizing the country of the person displaying political aggression online.
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What did I learn? Some people exhibit signs of political aggression and belittling reading the simple opening line of “I am no fan of…” The rest of the message isn’t even read.
I noticed that most commenters responded to statements that weren’t made and seemed to be having conversations with an imaginary person, filled with opinions and rhetoric, as if they were debating in a courtroom. It was like Don Quixote fighting windmills. For those who haven’t read the book by Miguel de Cervantes, the windmills represent imaginary enemies.
My conclusion? Other than recognizing that toxic language is normalized, the world needs NLP techniques to deal with political aggression online.
5 NLP Techniques to Deal with Political Aggression Online
1. As-If Frame
One of my favorite things to do where it comes to NLP is using the “As If” frame , which is also sometimes referred to as the “What If” frame. In the situation of political aggression, is better to use it on yourself than the actual aggressor.
- “What would happen if I didn’t comment?”
- “What would happen if, instead of commenting, I did something I find enjoyable, relaxing, or useful?”
- “If I commented, would it change the other person’s point of view?”
- “What would happen if I devoted my time to another person, including myself, rather than this person?”
If you want to use the NLP Meta Model:
- “How specifically would it affect my emotions?”
- “How specifically would it affect my day?”
- “What specifically are my values, and what are the best ways to meet them in human interaction?”
- “What specifically is the best way to influence politics and the political outcomes I would like to have instead?”
2. NLP Pattern Interrupt: Breaking Automated Responses
A Pattern Interrupt is a technique where you break the person’s emotional, mental, or behavioral state, taking them away from automated responses, habits, and triggers.
For those of you who love Tony Robbins, he might use an outlandish statement to achieve this. However, in a space of aggression, this could quickly backfire. And, you are not Tony Robbins.
Instead:
- If on Zoom: Stay silent, and cut off your energy (they aren’t used to someone listening and not debating)
- If commenting, simply answer something non-debatable, “OK, I have read your feedback. We don’t see eye to eye on this matter.”
- Ask a completely unrelated question.
- Engage them in a completely unrelated activity online.
- Post a gif of emoji that’s entirely unrelated (or a hug.)
3. Future Pace
Imagine this conversation is the most important negotiation you’ll ever have. The future of your country depends on it, and you are the human hero who will save the world.
Imagine a future where people with different viewpoints come together, forgive each other, and collaborate. Together, will make the country a better place. They need you to be that master negotiator to bridge the divide. What would you see, hear, and feel? How would you behave?
How would this specifically change your conversations? If each person maintains 100% of their point of view, and you maintain yours, the negotiation will be deadlocked. Additionally, never negotiate when you are experiencing a lot of emotions yourself.
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4. Perceptual Positions
The perceptual positions in NLP:
First: Your perspective.
Second: Their perspective.
Third: Non-emotional observer.
Fourth: Group (the country, the family, or an entire political party).
Fifth: God, Jesus, the greater good, love, peace, source, the universe.
Political aggression online usually occurs from the first or fourth position (individual perspective or groups with the same ideology).
Any other position can provide valuable insights:
Second: What would it be like if you stepped into their shoes? What would you see, hear, and feel?
Third: If you floated your awareness out of your own perspective and imagined the two of you on a movie screen, in a space of no emotion, what would you learn?
Fourth: Stepping into the position of the country and its common vision or mission, how can we best move forward, knowing you can’t wave a magic wand for everyone to adopt your ideas?
Fifth: What would Jesus do? What if you served the greater good? What if you stepped into a place of understanding, forgiveness, compassion, and kindness?
5. The NLP Meta Model
Asking questions is really important, but it’s crucial to ask the right ones. Not the ones that spiral into nasty conversations, but those that lead to more constructive discussions.
“What specifically could we do together to solve this problem while each maintaining our own points of view?”
“We have different political perspectives. Instead of going down a route of political aggression and division, how specifically do we bridge the gap between you and me?”
Conclusion: 5 NLP Techniques to Deal With Political Aggression Online
Consider not replying to political aggression online right away. Type a response, and see if, 24 hours later, you still feel the need to reply.
Instead of trying to apply the above NLP techniques for political aggression in the moment, prepare for future situations. Imagine yourself in the future giving a different response. Rehearse some standard replies or behaviors. This way, you won’t need to come up with something when you’re already feeling defensive or experiencing negative emotions like frustration or anger due to the ongoing political aggression online.
