HMRC Uses 'psyops'

https://www.devonlive.com/devon-men-say-hmrc-caused-2743802


I have just come across this interesting article in a Devon newspaper. It seems to me that all large organisations are now developing practices and strategies that are designed to manipulate customers, clients and the public, and that they are increasingly using behavioural scientists to guide these practices.

As a minimum wage earner, I always find it difficult and intimidating when dealing with these large and powerful entities. And I always wonder if the people who work for these organisations feel the same way when they are in a situation where they are 'victims' of similar strategies.

The other question that occurs to me is the character of the behavioural scientists behind such procedures. Almost all psychology students I have spoken to have been drawn to the subject with the intention of understanding and helping others - they are usually compassionate and thoughtful people, interested in how personalities, relationships and psychological illnesses develop and how people might be helped in various situations. The fact that some of these same people would become involved in manipulating, intimidating and possibly injuring others surprises me, and I wonder if they always know how their research and knowledge is being used.

Of course, the other question that occurs is why it is Devon men that are the victims; why not Devon women, or London taxpayers? (I know, I know - it is a local newspaper and refers to a few specific local men - but that headline still sounds odd to me).