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Are some movies and TV shows prophets of reality?
Learn about the curious theory of Predictive Programming
From time to time the internet is filled with messages, news or opinions, about the "predictions" of some movies or television programs, where important events, technological improvements, among other events that change the world, are announced.
Some have seen in these predictions an invisible hand, which executes these acts, but informing the population before the events occur; developing what is known as predictive programming theory.
Within this theory, it is accepted that the cultural industry is controlled by certain power groups, who have an interest in the mass assimilating certain values, or accepting some traumatic social events, which they would not have consented to without the preparation of predictive programming.
According to the followers of this theory, this occurs due to the repetition of the event in the entertainment field, causing the idea to be ingrained in the subconscious mind, preparing the masses, before the event occurs.
What is predictive programming based on?: Find out here
The role of conditioning in predictive programming
To understand the postulates of predictive programming, it is important to keep in mind that this concept is related to conditioning.
Conditioning is a psychological concept, related to learning, where through experience or the association of stimuli, a certain response will be obtained, in the behavior of the person who is conditioned.
A clear example of this is Pavlov's conditioning. In his laboratory, Pavlov studied conditioning with a dog, which before being fed was made to listen to a bell, eventually identifying the sound with food; causing the animal to salivate after hearing the sound, even though there was no food.
Knowing the role of conditioning is essential, since predictive programming is considered a form of social conditioning.
What is predictive programming?
It has been defined as a massive conditioning mechanism, through the use of fictitious plots, whether in movies, videos, television, and even books or the theater; with the purpose of placing planned future situations, so that the mass accepts and assimilates them more easily.
Although the term has been associated with the current cultural industry, it is an old term.
Being some important examples, according to the believers of this theory, the novels of Jules Verne, mainly, "From the earth to the moon", or the submarine war that Arthur Conan Doyle would describe, in "Danger", shortly before the First World War World.
Some allege that it could be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, being observed in their plays or in the creation of certain myths - rites, where they indicated future military events, changes in social values, together with other ideas that they were interested in placing in the population.
Why is it said that Plato wrote about predictive programming?
It is said that the Greek philosopher Plato spoke about predictive programming in his time, pointing out how it was carried out, through the mythology of the gods and plays, by the government of the Polis.
In his treatise "The Republic", Plato talks about what the ideal government would be like, what the actions of this government should be, along with the role of culture and education, in the formation of citizens.
It is in these last points, it is where Plato's denunciation of the predictive programming of his time has been wanted to be seen.
Plato points out that all education and the cultural industry must be under the aegis of the State, which will be the guardian of virtue, rationality and justice at all times.
However, in the ideal government, culture and education should be used to direct citizens to the common good; while in a government of bad people, vice and destruction will be sought.
An example of this is seen in Plato's criticism of poets like Homer, who blame bad actions on the gods, which can be harmful to citizens.
Predictive programming theorists believe that these passages contain criticism of this idea, pointing out that what was proposed by Plato to create good citizens, using culture and education; It also serves the opposite, making use of the same tools.
Predictive programming today
Current examples of predictive programming
It is said a lot on the internet, that one of the clearest examples of predictive programming was the attack of September 11, 2001, where according to the followers of said theory; mention was made of this episode of history within the cultural industry, several years in advance.
Shown as proof of the theory, several movies and television series, children's programs; being the animated series The Simpsons, one of the most recurrent mentions.
There are several times that "predictions" of reality have been seen in this series, however, in chapter 12 of season 4, entitled "Marge against the Monorail", a scene of a couple dancing is observed, with a painting reflecting a building with smoke.
This image made many reflect on the similarity of the painting with the attacks of September 11, 2001; when the Twin Towers were on fire. This chapter came out in 1993.
Predictive programming in technology?
Predictive programming is not only about bringing to the minds of the masses, facts that seem improbable, traumatic events, or negative situations; believers of this theory point out that predictive programming can be seen in the announcement of new technologies.
The Simpsons in episode 19 of its sixth season, entitled "Lisa's wedding", different technological gadgets that we use daily are observed, such as bracelet smartphones, or the use of video calls.
However, in this technological field, the followers of predictive programming have a lot to cut, in the creation of their postulates, thanks to the large number of movies, and references on technology.
There are films from the 1970s, which already pointed out the use of the Internet and videoconferences between world leaders, long before there was public information about it.
Similarly, several spy movies prior to the 90's, showed various technological items that we use today, such as watches with multiple functions, or phones that keep a compass, flashlight, internet connection, etc.; that in the past needed different appliances.
Is predictive programming real, or can there be other explanations?
To affirm that predictive prediction is real, would also be to accept that there are hidden powers, which have interests in placing certain ideas, or showing certain future events in the psyche of the mass; but why would they want to?
A predictive programming theorist would tell us that it is to reduce the traumatic impact of the event, or to receive it better when it arrives; But what would be the purpose of doing it with technology? Marketing?
Some people who have asked these questions and other more important ones, point out several factors that we must take into account, to help us answer these questions.
In the first place, the theory indicates that when the fact in question is shown, on several occasions, the idea will enter the subconscious, and the masses will have less resistance or greater understanding of the act; however, there are different psychological studies that refute this idea.
Second, many have attributed chance, or over-imagination, combined with knowledge of history and the present, to the "predictions" that occur in these shows.
It would not be unreasonable to accept this option, since by knowing the past, the present can be better understood, and even predictions for the future can be made.
Finally, the last fact that must be taken into account is a common one within the world of research, both those that are outside the academy or the scientific world, and even within it.
It is about the human fact, about looking for and finding evidence, in patterns or clues created by the investigator, that do not necessarily conform to reality.
An example of this could be seen in conspiracy theories, which weave together different real events, adapting them to their own interpretation ; or in the academic world, as happened with some theories about the origin of human beings.
These have been some considerations, on the theory of predictive prediction, very much in vogue in recent times, but which is very difficult to demonstrate.
